Do the same rules apply to our middle school or junior high squad?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- NFHS Spirit Rules
- High school cheer
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- School cheer
- 2026-27 season
- Coaches
The NFHS Spirit Rules are written for high school. Junior high and middle school teams are usually governed at the district level, and many follow their state association's rules. USA Cheer recommends elementary, middle school and junior high teams follow the NFHS Spirit Rules plus these add-ons for 2026-27:
| Team | Tosses to cradles (basket, sponge, J-toss) |
|---|---|
| Elementary school | Prohibited |
| Middle school and junior high | Allowed only if it's a straight-ride toss and there is no twisting |
Tosses to the skills legal under NFHS Rule 2-5-4 (tosses to non-inverted stunts) remain legal for all three levels.
USA Cheer stresses following skill progressions for straight-ride tosses. Its recommended progression:
- Sponge mini toss to cradle
- Sponge toss to cradle
- Basket mini toss to cradle
- Basket medium toss to cradle
- Basket full toss to cradle
Added 21 Oct 2026