Which rules apply to my high school cheer team?

High school cheer uses the NFHS Spirit Rules, written by the National Federation of State High School Associations with USA Cheer as its rules partner. The current edition is the 2026-27 Spirit Rules Book.

• Your state association adopts the rules for school cheer and may modify them.
• Rule interpretations are the responsibility of each state association or event producer. At a competition, legality questions go through that event's rules process. USA Cheer's rules interpretation videos are reviewed by NFHS committee members but aren't binding in every state.
• Many schools receive the rules book through their state association or athletic director.

USA Cheer offers 2026-27 courses for coaches: a Comprehensive course on the whole cheer section and a Rules Changes Only course.