Coaches,

In an effort to provide more opportunities to our student athletes, I am so excited

to formally invite you to the Rural Spirit Showcase hosted at Washburn Rural High
School in Topeka, KS on November 3, 2018!

The Rural Spirit Showcase is open to all KSHSAA member schools cheerleading &
dance teams!

We will have a traditional routine division, stunt group performances, as well as a
game day division for cheer teams to help teams prepare for the KSHSAA State
Game Day Competition! We will be offering jazz, pom, kick, hip hop,
contemporary and open divisions for dance teams!

We are excited to provide top notch judges with NFHS & KSHSAA backgrounds to
help teams further their success this season!

Please read through the attached packet for rules & division information!

Approximately two months prior to the competition, you will receive a detailed
coaches packet that includes event information, sample score sheets for each
division, & t-shirt order information!

I know you have many options in choosing events for your team and sincerely
hope you will join us this Fall!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Cheers,

Taylor McKaig
Head Cheerleading Coach
Washburn Rural High School
Phone: 785.608.3615
Email: mckaitay@usd437.net
 Rural Spirit Showcase
|| cheer ||
Registration is due October 1, 2018
1.The Rural Spirit Showcase is for KSHSAA Member schools only, and all squads will are
required to follow the NFHS and KSHSAA rules for spirit activities. Non-KSHSAA member
schools wishing to perform as an Exhibition must adhere to all the guidelines set forth
by USASF and AACCA. There may be collegiate level teams performing as Exhibition at
the end of the Showcase strictly for recruiting purposes. Any non-legal skills
performed by a collegiate level team or an Exhibition team should NOT be
attempted by KSHSAA member schools. To receive your copy of 2018-2019 NFHS
Spirit Rules Book, please contact Craig Manteuffel at 785- 273-5329.

2. All decisions of the judges relating to the legality of stunts/release

moves/pyramids/any other aspect of the routine are final. It is the responsibility of each
team’s coaching staff to enforce all KSHSAA cheerleading guidelines and restrictions.
TEAMS WITH KSHSAA LEGALITY VIOLATIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY
RECEIVE A 10 POINT DEDUCTION. If there are questions regarding legality,
please visit cheerrules.org or email Coach McKaig at mckaitay@usd437.net or for help
with clarification.

3. All cheer and game day routines will take place within the nine panels of mats and the
marked-off area surrounding the set of mats. The area outside the mats can be used for
placing signs, poms, or spirit props that will be used during the routine. Participants
should not leave the performance surface at any point in time during the routine.

4. You may include your school mascot in your performance. The mascot cannot
participate in any stunts or tumbling and must remain clear of any tumbling, stunting,
or jumps. The mascot will count towards the total number of participants on the team
for division separations.

5. All music must have copyright compliance and should be submitted to Coach Tateum
Hughes via email hughetat@usd437.net on or before October 25th. Please make sure
you have a backup copy of your music on a device that is compatible with an auxiliary
cord. All music will be played through an auxiliary cord in the practice room. If you
plan to use a newer version of the iPhone, make sure to bring an auxiliary
adaptor on the day of the showcase.

6. Any and all music, costumes and language of the cheer must be appropriate and must
fit the guidelines set by KSHSAA for spirit activities. All teams must submit their final
music edits and paperwork (if applicable) to Coach Hughes via email by October 25,
2018.
7. All teams must have a coach or a school administrator present during any warm-up or
performance. This person must be identified at registration.

8. Every participant must have the required release forms turned in prior to performing.
If they do not have the required forms, they will not be allowed to perform.

9. Each team must provide a list of names (first and last) of each participant and coach
attending the Rural Spirit Showcase.

11. Each team will have a specific practice/warm up time and location. No practicing,
stunting, tumbling, jumping, or cheering may take place at any other time or location at
Washburn Rural High School on the day of the Rural Spirit Showcase.

12. Each team is responsible for removing all jewelry and piercings prior to warm up and
leaving all jewelry/piercings out until after done performing, and ensuring all hairstyles
comply with KSHSAA regulations. Failure to comply will result in a 1 point deduction
per infraction.

16. Classifications: Each school may bring multiple squads to participate, or they may
choose to combine teams to fit into the specific classifications below.

v Large Varsity — 20-30 participants in the routine

v Medium Varsity — 12-19 participants in routine
v Small Varsity — 11 or fewer participants in routine
v Varsity Co-Ed — Teams with male participants in their routine
v Junior Varsity – Teams designated as a JV squad
v Freshmen Squad — Teams consisting of participants in grade 9
v Middle School Squad—Teams consisting of participants in grades 6,
7, and 8

17. Awards: All squads will be given ratings based off the information below.

v First Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 85-100 (Superior)
v Second Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 70-84 (Excellent)
v Third Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 55-69 (Outstanding)
v Fourth Division Rating: Average score from the judges below 55 (Good)

18. Specialty Awards will be given to squads that demonstrate superiority in one or more
of the following areas. The specialty awards are chosen by the judges based off the
squads’ average scores and the overall opinions of the judges on performed routines.
The judges may decide to give awards in the following categories, but are not required to
give an award from each category. Each specialty award can be awarded to two teams in
each category. Cheer Specialty Awards include:

v Outstanding Overall Routine

 v Outstanding Choreography
v Outstanding Spirit
v Outstanding Tumbling
v Outstanding Jumps
v Outstanding Stunts
v Outstanding Pyramids
v Superior Squad

19. The registration fee is $100 per team, each additional routine/division is $80.
Stunt group routines (all girl and coed) are $20 total. Three coaches per team will be
granted free admission to the Rural Spirit Showcase.

20. The spectator entrance fee is $5 per person. Children under the age of five are
free. Cash only.

Performance Criteria for Traditional Cheer Squad Routines:
v Entrances and exits will not be scored as part of the performance.
v All traditional routines will be a minimum of 90 seconds and a
maximum of three minutes. The traditional routine will include a cheer
section that must be a minimum of 30 seconds. The rest of the
traditional routine may be performed to music. There is not a set or
required order for the routine sequence.
v Timing will begin on the first note of music or organized movement.
v Each traditional routine must include a minimum of a 30-second
cheer.
v Required elements for the traditional routine shall include, in no
particular order: stunting, jumps, tumbling, cheer, pyramid, and
dance.
v The only props allowed during routines include signs, megaphones,
poms, and/or a mascot.
v If a technical failure happens on the production end during a
performance, the performing team will be allowed to repeat its routine
one time.
v TEAMS WITH KSHSAA LEGALITY VIOLATIONS WILL
AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A 10 POINT DEDUCTION.

Performance Criteria for Game Day Routines:

v In an effort to help teams prepare for the KSHSAA Game Day

Competition, we will be using similar scoresheets, rules, expectations,
and guidelines!
v Timing will begin on the first note of music or organized movement.
v Teams performing in the Game Day Competition will perform their
finals routine: Band Dance, Situational Sideline (defense or offense),
Fight Song, & Crowd Leading (cheer)
v The only props allowed during routines include signs, megaphones,
poms, and/or a mascot.
v If a technical failure happens on the production end during a
performance, the performing team will be allowed to repeat its routine
one time.
v TEAMS WITH KSHSAA LEGALITY VIOLATIONS WILL
AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A 10 POINT DEDUCTION.

Performance Criteria for Individual Stunt Group Routines:

v Entrances and exits will not be scored as part of the performance.

v Timing will begin on the first note of music or organized
word/movement. Email music to hughetat@usd437.net
v No Props Allowed
v Length of the routine will not exceed 1 minute.
v No more than 5 members per stunt group.
 Rural Spirit Showcase
|| dance ||
Registration is due October 1, 2018
1. The Rural Spirit Showcase is for KSHSAA Member schools only, and all squads will
are required to follow the NFHS and KSHSAA rules for spirit activities. Non-KSHSAA
member schools wishing to perform as an Exhibition must adhere to all the guidelines
set forth by USASF and AACCA. There may be collegiate level teams performing as
Exhibition at the end of the Showcase strictly for recruiting purposes. Any non-legal
skills performed by a collegiate level team or an Exhibition team should
NOT be attempted by KSHSAA member schools. To receive your copy of 2018-
2019 NFHS Spirit Rules Book, please contact Craig Manteuffel at 785- 273-5329.

2. All decisions of the judges relating to the legality of stunts/release

moves/pyramids/any other aspect of the routine are final. It is the responsibility of each
team’s coaching staff to enforce all KSHSAA cheerleading guidelines and restrictions.
TEAMS WITH KSHSAA LEGALITY VIOLATIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY
RECEIVE A 10 POINT DEDUCTION. If there are questions regarding legality,
please visit cheerrules.org or email Coach McKaig at mckaitay@usd437.net or for help
with clarification.

3. All performances will take place on the basketball court.

4. All music must have copyright compliance and should be submitted to Coach Tateum
Hughes via email hughetat@usd437.net on or before October 25th. Please make sure
you have a backup copy of your music on a device that is compatible with an auxiliary
cord. All music will be played through an auxiliary cord in the practice room. If you
plan to use a newer version of the iPhone, make sure to bring an auxiliary
adaptor on the day of the showcase.

5. Any and all music, costumes and language must be appropriate and must fit the
guidelines set by KSHSAA for spirit activities. All teams must submit their final music
edits and paperwork (if applicable) to Coach Hughes via email by October 25, 2018.

7. All teams must have a coach or a school administrator present during any warm-up or
performance. This person must be identified at registration.

8. Every participant must have the required release forms turned in prior to performing.
If they do not have the required forms, they will not be allowed to perform.

9. Each team must provide a list of names (first and last) of each participant and coach
attending the Rural Spirit Showcase.
11. Each team will have a specific practice/warm up time and location.

12. Each team is responsible for removing all jewelry and piercings prior to warm up and
leaving all jewelry/piercings out until after done performing, and ensuring all hairstyles
comply with KSHSAA regulations. Failure to comply will result in a 1 point deduction
per infraction.

16. Classifications: Each school may bring multiple squads to participate, or they may
choose to combine teams to fit into the specific classifications below.

v Large Varsity Squad — 15-40 participants in the routine

v Medium Varsity Squad — 11-14 participants in routine
v Small Varsity Squad — 10 or fewer participants in routine
v Junior Varsity Squad – Teams designated as a JV squad
v Middle School Squad—Teams consisting of participants in grades 6,
7, and 8

17. Awards: All squads will be given ratings based off the information below.

v First Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 85-100 (Superior)
v Second Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 70-84 (Excellent)
v Third Division Rating: Average score from the judges of 55-69 (Outstanding)
v Fourth Division Rating: Average score from the judges below 55 (Good)

18. Specialty Awards will be given to squads that demonstrate superiority in one or more
of the following areas. The specialty awards are chosen by the judges based off the
squads’ average scores and the overall opinions of the judges on performed routines.
Dance Specialty Awards include:

v Outstanding Technique
v Outstanding Choreography
v Outstanding Costumes
v Precision Award
v Superior Squad

19. The registration fee is $80 for the first routine, $40 for additional routines. Up to
three coaches per team will be granted free admission to the Rural Spirit Showcase.

20. The spectator entrance fee is $5 per person. Children under the age of five are free.
Cash only.
 Rural Spirit Showcase
Coaches Checklist

Registration Form | Registration is due by October 1st! You can

scan/email your registration forms to mckaitay@usd437.net or
mail it to the address below!

Payment | Please have all checks made out to Washburn Rural
High School. Checks can be mailed to:

Washburn Rural High School

Attn: Taylor McKaig
5900 SW 61st Street
Topeka, KS 66619

Team Roster | Due with registration forms!


Medical Release Forms for each participant | Please turn in
release forms at the registration table the day of competition!

Submit Music | Please email your music & paperwork (if

applicable) to Coach Hughes at hughetat@usd437.net by October
25th!


 Rural Spirit Showcase
Medical Release and Liability Form

Please fill out one form for each participant. Please print all of the information.

Student’s Name:_________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian(s): _______________________________________

Emergency Contact Number: ________________________________________

I, the undersigned parent or guardian, do hereby grant permission for my above named
son/daughter to participate in the Rural Spirit Showcase hosted by Washburn Rural
High School on Saturday, November 3, 2018.

I acknowledge and understand the following:

1. While participating in this event there is a possibility of illness or injury to my

son/daughter. I further acknowledge and understand that my son/daughter is assuming
the risk of such physical illness and or/injury by his/her participation, and I further
release Washburn Rural High School, as well as its representatives, from any claims for
personal illness and/or injury that my son/daughter may sustain as a result of his/her
participation.

2. In order that my son/daughter may receive emergency medical treatment in the event
of illness or injury during the event, I hereby authorize the school coach or Washburn
Rural High School and its representatives to obtain medical treatment for my
son/daughter for such illness or injury. I hereby hold Washburn Rural High School and
its representatives harmless in the exercise of this authority. I agree to be responsible for
any and all medical bills that may be incurred on behalf of my son/daughter as a result
of his/her participation in this event.

3. Washburn Rural High School has established rules and regulations regarding
conduct, safety, and sportsmanship by which my son/daughter must abide. During the
Rural Spirit Showcase my son/daughter and I will be responsible for his/her failure to
abide by those rules and regulations.

I have read and understand the above terms, and give my child permission to
participate.

_________________________________________________ ___________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date Signed
 Rural Spirit Showcase
Cheer Registration Form
School Name: _____________________________________________________
Head Coach:______________________________________________________
School Address: ___________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: _KS____ Zip: _______________
Phone:___________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________
TEAM ROUTINE DIVISIONS
ENTRY Squad Routine Division # of Competitors
Traditional or Game Day
(Separate entries for each please!)

1 MS, FR, JV, V

2 MS, FR, JV, V
3 MS, FR, JV, V
STUNT GROUP ROUTINES
Squad Title (MS, FR, JV, V) Name of Group Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Entry 1 : $100 =_________
(IF APPLICABLE) Entry 2 : $80 =_________
(IF APPLICABLE) Entry 3 : $80 =_________
(IF APPLICABLE) Stunt Group Routines: _______ x $20 =_________

REGISTRATION FEE TOTAL =_________

 Rural Spirit Showcase
Dance Registration Form
School Name: _____________________________________________________
Head Coach:______________________________________________________
School Address: ___________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: _KS____ Zip: _______________
Phone:___________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________
TEAM ROUTINE DIVISIONS

Entry Squad Routine Division # of Competitors

Hip Hop, Pom, Kick,
Contemporary, Jazz, Open

1 MS, FR, JV, V

2 MS, FR, JV, V
3 MS, FR, JV, V
4 MS, FR, JV, V

Entry 1 : $80 =_________

(IF APPLICABLE) Entry 2 : $40 =_________
(IF APPLICABLE) Entry 3 : $40 =_________
(IF APPLICABLE) Entry 4 : $40 =_________

REGISTRATION FEE TOTAL =_________

 TEAM ROSTER
(Please submit one for each team competing!)

School: _____________________________________________________________________________
Coach: ______________________________________________________ T-Shirt Size: ____________
Coach: ______________________________________________________ T-Shirt Size: ____________
Coach: ______________________________________________________ T-Shirt Size: ____________

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