How must we start the routine, and can we swap a performer partway through?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the IASF Cheer Rules (2025-2028): Starting position: every athlete must have at least one foot, hand or body part (not hair) on the performing surface when the routine begins. The exception is an athlete whose feet are in the hands of bases whose hands are resting on the floor. No swapping: the athletes who start the routine must be the same throughout. A performer can't be replaced by another during the routine.