General guidelines

GUIDELINES

Guidelines for your routine are as detailed here. Strict compliance with all rules is required. A penalty will be deducted from your score for each rule infraction. The amount of the penalty depends on the severity of the infraction. All rule clarifications must be submitted via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no less than 4 weeks prior to competition. No discussion with Judges or Table Officials will be permitted. The Judges decisions are final. Cheerleaders cannot compete against themselves i.e. be a part of Team A and Team B in the same division.

QUALIFICATION

Competitions are open to all including squads from other countries.

SQUAD MEMBER ELIGIBILTY

All squads/programmes need to be registered with the BCA prior to submitting entry forms. Eligibility is determined as stated against each division, not all divisions may be offered at every event. All university teams must consist of 100% current students of the university being represented. Failure to provide the correct documentation will prevent a BCA ID card being issued.

SQUAD ROSTER

All participants must be listed by name and other details as specified on the entry form. You must sign and return this entry form. Any substitutions (from your original entry form) must be approved by the BCA. Competitors will be required to prove age or identity. In the interests of fairness to all I.D. checks will be made

INSURANCE

All UK based squads will be required to provide their Insurance company name, policy number and expiry date of their insurance policy. This requirement is additional to BCA's own Public Liability Insurance Cover.

DISQUALIFICATION

Any squads with false information on their roster will be disqualified. Any Cheerleader, coach, or supporter of your squad, involved in any act of harassment of Judges Scorekeepers or Officials, or conduct deemed likely to bring cheerleading into disrepute will result in your entire squad being disqualified.

JUDGES

An impartial panel of expert qualified judges will judge the competitions, and where possible including leading experts from overseas. Judging will be to internationally recognised cheerleading standards.

UPDATE MAILINGS

You will be emailed "Competition Updates" after we receive your registration. You must read each update for current information and rule changes. Any rule changes will also appear on the BCA website throughout the year.
It is your responsibility to keep up to date with any changes made.

SCORE FORMS

Each squad will receive copies of their "Judges Scoring Forms" as well as the "Officials Tally Sheet" for the competition. Every effort will be made to get these to you at the end of the event.

TROPHIES

There will be separate trophies for each division.

PRESS

It is the responsibility of coaches to supervise all Press and Media interviews involving members of their club to ensure the wholesome image of the sport is upheld.

CHILD PROTECTION

The BCA Child Protection Policy applies to all BCA events.

VIDEO / PHOTOGRAPHY / MOBILE PHONES

For the performers' safety the use of cameras, video equipment, mobile phones and other recordable devices by cheerleaders, coaches and spectators in the competition halls and warm up areas is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in the disqualification of your team.

Athletes and coaches should not be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or over-the-counter medications which may knowingly enhance their performance whilst participating at a BCA competition.