AYC Cheer, Dance & Step

Rules

We follow American Youth Cheer (AYC) and Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance rules (YCADA). 

Cheer Divisions

The following cheer divisions are offered.

Age cut off for all divisions is July 31.

Division 18 teams are not required to cheer at weekly gams. Athletes that have graduated high school are not eligible to be a participant.

Inspiration Division: The AYC Inspiration Division enables youth with either cognitive or physical disabilities to participate in football and cheer.

MASCOTS - 5 & 6 year olds can participate as a mascot if offered at the local level. Mascots are assigned to a specific cheer division. Cut off age for mascots is July 31.

Cheer Competition Levels

There are four levels of cheer.  A detailed description of each level can be found in the AYC Rule Book.

• Level 1 - Teams that have athletes and coaches with little to no experience. Novice athletes and coaches.
• Level 2 - Teams with athletes and coaches where majority of the team has mastered level 1 skills. Beginner to intermediate skilled athletes and coaches.
• Level 3 - Teams with athletes and coaches where majority of the team has mastered level 2 skills. Intermediate to advanced athletes and coaches.
• Level 4 - Teams with athletes and coaches where majority of the team has mastered level 2 & 3 skills. Advanced athletes and coaches.

Cheer Team Sizes

Cheer teams are categorized by size:

Small: Small teams are comprised of 5 to 18 participants per squad
Large: Large teams are comprised of 19 to 36 participants per squad

"All-Star" Style Conference Division:  14 Elite Cheer

AYC offers a Conference "All-Star" style team. Details and rules can be found in the Official AYC Rule Book.

Dance and Step Divisions