SCHOOL / HIGH SCHOOL SCORING
School Cheer Scoring & Rules
School cheer is governed primarily by NFHS in partnership with USA Cheer. Competition scoring varies by event producer — UCA, NCA, and state associations each run their own events on top of NFHS rules.
NFHS Spirit Rules Book 2025-26
THE rulebook for US high school cheer. Major reorganization for 2025-26: dance (Rule 3) separated from cheer (Rule 2). Updated annually.
💬 For parents: If your athlete cheers for a US high school, this is the rulebook their coach is using.
USA Cheer Cheerleading Safety Manual
Companion safety manual in publication since 1990. Required reading for coach certifications.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTNFHS Spirit Activity Page (Free)
Free landing page with rule change summaries, key updates, and points of emphasis for the current season.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTUCA School Cheer Rules & Scoring
Rules and scoring for UCA-run high school events including the National High School Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTNDA School Dance Rules & Scoring
Same as UCA but for school dance teams.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTNCA High School Portal
NCA school events portal — January National High School Championship in Fort Worth, TX.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENT2025-26 RULE CHANGES SUMMARY
What Changed in NFHS Spirit Rules for 2025-26
- Six risk-minimization changes approved
- Major reorganization: Rule 1 (definitions) moved into cheer (Rule 2) and dance (Rule 3)
- New definitions added: "assisted walkover," "kip up," and "nugget"
- Dance fully separated into its own rules section for the first time
Source: NFHS press release. Check nfhs.org/sports/spirit for the full change summary.
STATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS
Find Your State Rules Supplement
Every state overlays additional rules on top of NFHS. Find your state's athletic association below for state championship scheduling and competition-specific scoring supplements.