The following updates and clarifications will be included in the 2026-2027 Georgia High School Association Competition Cheerleading Guide, which will be published later this year. Additional information may be added once the guide/rubric is officially released.
Tumbling Change
- A cartwheel entry into tumbling will be classified as running tumbling.
- A cartwheel is considered forward movement; therefore, all skills performed immediately following a cartwheel will be counted as running tumbling.
- Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Cartwheel tuck
- Cartwheel full
- Standing or Running Tumbling – Tuck Jump/Hop Deductions
- During a routine, tuck jumps or tuck hops may not be performed during group tumbling skills.
- If an athlete performs a tuck jump or hop during a group tumbling skill, the team will receive a 1-point deduction per athlete who executes the tuck jump/hop.
- Example
- A squad performs 12 standing tucks, and two other athletes perform a tuck jump/hop. The team will receive a 2-point deduction (1 point per athlete).
- An athlete who performs a round-off back handspring rebound will not receive a point deduction. This will be considered an omission or missed tumbling skill, not a tuck jump/hop violation.
Out-of-Bounds Clarification
- An athlete will receive an out-of-bounds deduction only if both feet make contact outside the competition mat.
- Stepping one foot or placing a hand outside the competition mat does not constitute an out-of-bounds violation.
Injury During a Performance
- If an injury occurs during a performance, the routine may be stopped by an official, the coach(s), or the host.
Routine Timing
- Routine timing begins with the first organized motion or the first sound of music.
- Routine timing ends with the last organized motion or the last sound of music.
- Any time exceeding 2 minutes and 30 seconds, even by one second, will be considered overtime and will result in a timing infraction.
Video Replay – State Competition Only
- Video replay at state will have clearly defined rules and explanations.
- These details will be outlined in the official manual once published.
Final changes and updates will appear in the 2026-2027 Georgia High School Association Competition Cheerleading Guide
