School Cheer is a discipline of cheer that involves athletes in a scholastic setting who cheer in support of other sports, most often football and basketball. School cheerleaders’ primary role is supporting the other athletic programs through leading the crowd at games and pep rallies as well as promoting school spirit overall. School cheer teams may also participate in competitions, performing a 2 1/2 minute routine composed of tumbling, stunting, pyramids, dance, and cheer segments.
High school cheer is most often organized at the local level by the organization that oversees the other scholastic sports and activities. Most high school cheer teams are governed by their state high school or activities association. Many state associations, districts, and even individual schools require USA Cheer safety training for their coaches.
USA Cheer and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have reached an agreement to publish one set of rules as the NFHS/USA Cheer Rule Book.
NFHS/USA Cheer Rules Course
The Comprehensive Course for coaches covers the entire cheer section of the NFHS/USA Cheer Rules Book (Rules 1, 2, and 3) including the new rules changes for the current year. This course is ideal for new coaches or for coaches who want a refresher course for all rules. The course is $20 for non-members, $15 for members.
Comprehensive Course (2 modules)
The “Rules Changes Only” course for coaches covers the major rules changes for the current year. This course is ideal for veteran coaches who are already familiar with the current rules. The course is $20 for non-members, $15 for members.
2024-25 Rules Changes Course
The Rules Interpreters course covers the entire book including the new rules changes, with an additional training session on methods and techniques to help interpret rules as well as video testing on rules interpretations.
Rules Interpreter Course
Order the 2025-26 NFHS Rules Book
If you normally receive your NFHS Rules Book through your school or state association, you will still receive your book through the same process. If you are unsure of whether you will receive a book through your association, check with your athletics director. If you would like to purchase a book, you may do so below. The cost through USA Cheer is $15 per book, with free shipping.
Order the 2025-26 Rules Book – $15
Rule interpretations are the responsibility of each state association or event producer. USA Cheer provides a video library of rules interpretations below. These videos are reviewed by USA Cheer and by members of the NFHS Spirit Rules committee, but they are not binding in every state. They are provided to help educate coaches and rules interpreters about the rules. Please use your state or event’s rules process to confirm legality.
USA Cheer Video Rule Interpretations