Cheer Judging Reference Guide

It is always a good idea to check the MHSAA website regularly for any clarifications and/or updates!

Panel Reference Guide
1. A 360 is worth 4 points. If it ends in a sponge or cradle this is 4 additional points. A 360 is when a team tosses a girl up and she twists vertically. It isn't a basket toss (with that hand position, height, etc.). 2 different variety points are given for a full twist cradle and a 360. Both count in choreography.

2. Cartwheels and one-arm cartwheels receive 2 separate variety points. 2 one-arm cartwheels (near-arm and far-arm) in a routine are still only 1 variety point (not 1 for each).

3. If extended suspended splits are pushed up from shoulder level, they only receive 10 points. They do not receive 7 points + 10 points. Think of it like an elevator and extension. If an elevator pushes up to an extension without a transition (sponge, retake, etc.) it doesn't receive the 7 points, only the 10 points for the extension. If the splits are only at shoulder level and then come down they would receive 7 points. Shoulder level splits to extended suspended splits to shoulder level splits is only 10 points total (not 7+10+7=24). 4. Mountain Climber – This is a prep and receives no difficulty points. The only preps that receive difficulty points are those listed in the manual on page 28. They must all go directly to the extension level except the 180 vertical turn which may go to shoulder level. To receive the 4 difficulty points for ground up, bases hands must be on the ground with flyers feet in them. Extension must go straight up without stopping. To receive the 4 difficulty points for step up, both bases must be squatting with their hands below their knees . Extension must go straight up without stopping (not stepping up like a mountain climber). Remember that preps and transitions don't receive variety points either.

5. Choreography bonus - When deciding if back tucks should get bonus, ask how far did they get? If there is no vertical then it wasn't completed and the team shouldn't receive difficulty points or bonus credit. They need to get around. If they got around but touched down, crashed, etc. this should be deducted in execution. They should still be given difficulty points and bonus credit.

6. The switch splits are worth 1 variety point (not 2). If the team also performs side splits they would get one additional variety point.

7. Show and Go's receive difficulty points for retake/sponge before if it is coming down from shoulder level or above, but not for retake/sponge after. Retake/sponge after is part of the stunt. Show and go with kick out or one leg flair doesn't count towards OLE bonus.

8. Arch cradle or kiss cradle doesn't receive 4 extra flair points. It is still a 4 point cradle. It also doesn't receive any additional variety points.

9. Choreography Bonus - Full twist cradles that are not quite 360 degrees should be deducted in execution but given the credit for the skill. If a competitor completes more than 1 ½ rotations for a double twist, give them credit for the double twist but deduct from their execution score.


Judges reminders - Be at a meet site one hour prior to the start time of a meet to review round 3 descriptions if you are a cheer judge and to answer questions of coaches if you are a safety judge. Wear the appropriate officials clothing which should not expose the midriff or cleavage. Professionalism also includes refraining from talking about any team you have previously judged or about any coaches behavior whether good or bad.

Coaches reminders - Do not approach judges between rounds. If you believe there is a correctable error on your scoresheet, take to the score table personnel who will in turn take it to the judges for possible corrections.

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