RULES AND GUIDELINES
Be sure to download and read the 2008-2009 Rulebook & Scoring Guidelines to fully understand what is and is not allowed in specific divisions.

LEGAL VERIFICATION

As a coach it is important to stay up to date on current safety guidelines. Squad disqualification and deductions almost always take place due to the coach not being aware of the rules or misunderstanding the terminology. If you have any questions concerning the guidelines or questions regarding specific stunts and/or pyramids, follow the steps below.

1)  All correspondence must be in writing. Due to differences in interpretation and terminology, no phone calls will be accepted.

2)  For partner stunts and/or pyramids approval, you must send in a video tape (standard VHS-all other tapes refused), DVD or email a video clip (no more than 10mb) which contains the mounting and dismounting of the partner stunt and/or pyramid in question. Tapes will not be returned.

3)  The American Championships will address all inquireies in writing regarding the clip in question.  Hint:  Do not depend on your choreographer or coach to determine if something is legal.  It is better to be safe than sorry - if you have any questions whatsoever about the legality of any part of your routine, send The American Championships a tape for verification.

JUDGING AND SCORING

Our judging system is comprised of two tiers:

1)  A five-judge panel of highly qualified spirit industry professionals.  These judges are extensively trained to use the same scoring guidelines given to the coaches that attend our championships.  The high and low scores are dropped and the remaining three scores are added for a total out of 300 points.

2)  A Separate 3-judge deductions/infractions panel is responsible for taking penalty points for imperfect or illegal elements.  Deductions are a per occurrence penalty given for missed and fallen routine elements. Infraction penalties are given when a team violates a written rule.  The Deductions/Infractions score is subtracted from the total score.

INSTANT REPLAY
Our judges also have the ability to look back at digital footage of routines when making tough decisions in close divisions.  This allows the judges to see the teams a second time with one major difference-judges can watch the teams back to back and in the order that they have them currently placed.  This method of comparing ensures proper placement of teams.  Ties are settled using video replay.

• Our judging system is the most high-tech judging system on Earth.
• Endorsed by more top programs than any other judging system
• Video replay available to judges... Most diverse judging panel - all backgrounds represented
• We do not have cheer judges score dance or vice versa to save money
• All score sheets will be returned to you at each event

SCORE SHEETS 
Score Sheets will be made available to coaches prior to leaving the event.  It is the coach's responsibility to pick up their score sheets.  Any score sheets not claimed by the end of the event will be discarded and only summary information will be available from office staff for coaches.
Click Here for AC Sample Score Sheets