What changed in the NFHS spirit rules for 2026-27?

Question

Accepted Answer

The NFHS Spirit Rules Committee approved eight rule changes and two revised definitions (February 2026), effective for the 2026-27 season. Rule Change 2-3-5a, new 2-3-5k Braced flips may use a hand-to-foot connection, with extra restrictions when it's the only connection 2-3-5d Bracers may release or move to a load once the top person descends to a cradle, horizontal at prep level or below, or the performing surface 2-4-2c (3-4-3c dance) New catchers in vertical-to-horizontal non-release transitions can't be involved in another skill New 2-5-5g A top person may not pass over the torso of another top person or bracer in braced release transitions 2-5-6c One twist allowed in a vertical release from extended to extended 2-5-6e Two catchers required for releases from vertical to horizontal 2-7-8d (3-7-8d dance) ¼ twist allowed in cradle dismounts to new catchers 3-1-3a (dance) When footwear is required, it must be worn on both feet Definitions Loading position/load and tumbling revised The 2026-27 NFHS Spirit Rules Book is available from NFHS, in print and through NFHS Digital.

Rule	Change
2-3-5a, new 2-3-5k	Braced flips may use a hand-to-foot connection, with extra restrictions when it's the only connection
2-3-5d	Bracers may release or move to a load once the top person descends to a cradle, horizontal at prep level or below, or the performing surface
2-4-2c (3-4-3c dance)	New catchers in vertical-to-horizontal non-release transitions can't be involved in another skill
New 2-5-5g	A top person may not pass over the torso of another top person or bracer in braced release transitions
2-5-6c	One twist allowed in a vertical release from extended to extended
2-5-6e	Two catchers required for releases from vertical to horizontal
2-7-8d (3-7-8d dance)	¼ twist allowed in cradle dismounts to new catchers
3-1-3a (dance)	When footwear is required, it must be worn on both feet
Definitions	Loading position/load and tumbling revised