How long can our routine be, and how does it start?

• Maximum routine time: 2:30 for Elite tier teams, including U16.
• Timing starts with the first movement, voice or note of music, whichever comes first, and ends with the last movement, voice or note of music, whichever comes last.
• At the start, every athlete must have at least one foot, hand or body part (not hair) on the performing surface. An athlete's feet may be in a base's hands only if the base's hands are resting on the floor.
• The athletes who start the routine must finish it. No one can be replaced mid-routine.
• Only athletes on your club's official USASF roster may take the floor with the team.

For comparison, Prep and non-tumbling routines are limited to 2:00 and Novice to 1:30.