TSN Policies

The Spirit Network (TSN) produces youth cheerleading and dance competitions and events around the world.  

AGE GRID

The Spirit Network (TSN) is a member of the USASF and follows all USASF Age Grids for USASF Divisions.  www.USASF.net/rules

Teams that are Non-Affiliated (NA) must follow the following age grid.  Within that age grid, 25% of team members are allowed to be outside of the age range, on either side of the division, to accommodate team member ages.  (Example: A junior team may have 25% of members from the youth or senior age division).

SCORING 2023/2024

Scoring will be consistent with the USASF and IASF Score Sheets. www.USASF.net/scoring

Any score clarification may be requested from the Head Judge following the release of scoresheets.  This is done by text message and then in person if further clarification is needed.   All judges’ decisions are final.  Scores must be reviewed within 20 minutes from the release to ensure proper Award Ceremony preparation.

MUSIC

All teams must follow US Copyright laws for routine music.  Any questions regarding these laws and the use of music for routines must be confirmed with your program legal counsel or music producer.  All music will be played from an AUX cord so will need to be compliant with a device that accommodates that type of connection.  IF using an iPhone for performance music please be sure lock screen, airplane mode, and any other settings are consistent with performance use.  Any interruption or music malfunction due to settings will not be reviewed.  Music must be downloaded for performance as the internet access in every venue is different.  A team representative must always be present with team music.

DIVISION SPLIT/COMBINATION

TSN reserves the right to combine/split/delete any, and all, divisions to ensure “like” competition.  Divisions will first be split/combined by size with ten (10) teams in a division constituting an adjustment.  TSN uses x-small, small, medium, and large for division splits.  X-small is the discretion of the Event Manager and will be used for “like” teams. No team will be in a division by themselves unless discussed with the Event Manager.

DIVISION CHAMPION

A Division without competition due to a request of split will not be awarded a Division Champion prize.  That Division will be encompassed in the appropriate Level Champion for prizes purposes.

LEVEL CHAMPION

A level champion will be awarded when there are 10 or more teams in a level. Levels may be combined for this award. Levels will not be combined between categories (ie. NA and All Star, cheer and dance).

SCHEDULE TIMELINE

A BLOCK schedule will be released one month prior to the event.  A PERFORMANCE schedule will be released two weeks prior to an event.  Teams must be fully registered to be placed on the Performance Schedule – that includes team rosters and full payment.  Division splits may not happen until all teams are on the schedule to ensure the fewest number of changes to the division.  Schedules will be FINAL the Thursday prior to the event at 5:00 PM PST.  No Division or Split is guaranteed.  

DISQUALIFICATION

Reasons for disqualification may include, but are not limited to:

• Teams that have athletes performing that are not on the registered roster.  

• Teams registered in the wrong division or category. 

• Teams showing unsportsmanlike behavior.

• Parents/Fans demonstrating unsportsmanlike behavior.

• Teams or programs demonstrating unsportsmanlike behavior towards another program or athlete.

• Sharing of credentials from coach, athlete, or fan/spectator.

• Threatening behavior towards event officials or participants. 

• Not performing a routine “full out” during a second performance due to an injury.

FANS/SPECTATOR EXPECTATIONS

At TSN, fans, parents, and spectators are allowed admission to support all athletes and programs.  Behavior of fans, parents, and spectators is expected to be of the highest quality throughout the entire event.  Use of profanities is grounds for removal from the event.  All fans, parents, spectators must wear the appropriate admission credentials.  Refusal to do so is grounds for removal without a refund.  Programs sharing credentials will be disqualified.  

THE SPIRIT NETWORK RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY INDIVIDUAL, TEAM, OR PROGRAM FROM AN EVENT WITHOUT REFUND DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AS DEEMED BY THE EVENT MANAGER OR VENUE.  DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF ANY TITLES OR AWARDS AT THAT TIME WILL BE CONSIDERED.

INJURY PROTOCAL

Competitive Cheerleading and Dance presents inherent risk of injury, both permanent and temporary, and may result in long-term disability and death.  Any injury incurred at a TSN Event must be communicated with a TSN Representative in Warm-Up or at Coaches Check-In as soon as the injury is incurred.  Failure to do so further relieves TSN from any, and all, liability.

During Warm-Up and Competition Performance, any program coach, music representative, or athlete may stop the routine due to an injury on the floor.  TSN Event Managers and Safety Judges may also stop the routine at any time due to the injury creating a safety hazard where an athlete may not be able to hold, support, spot, or catch in the routine.  If an athlete leaves the floor, the routine will be stopped immediately.  If a routine is stopped due to injury, the Event Manager will decide if the team will have the opportunity to perform again at a later time.  Due to scheduling this is not always possible.  IF it is decided the team will perform again, the routine will be performed “full out” and judged only from the time of the injury where the music was stopped until the end of the routine.  The failure to do so will result in the disqualification of the team.

CROSSOVER/CROSS COMPETITOR

A crossover is defined as an athlete competing on multiple teams within the same program.  Crossovers must compete in different levels.  A crossover fee is required for the second routine registration.  Crossovers must meet the age grid requirements.  An athlete competing in two different categories (cheer vs. dance) is not a crossover athlete.  This is registered as a new athlete for each category.

NA CHEER GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Review all USASF General Safety Rules, Glossary, and Penalty Information for clarification of terms.   Scoring and level appropriate skills are outlined for Levels 1-4 for NA and Rec programs.

PAYMENT/CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation Policy:

• 75% refund if cancelled 2 months prior to event date.

• 50% credit to another event in season if cancelled 8-2 weeks prior to event date.

• No refund if cancelled within 2 weeks of the event date.

Returned Check/Banking Fees

• If a check is returned there will be a $50 returned check service charge.

• Payments made via wire, venmo, Zelle, or any other electronic way will incur the taxes and fees associated with the service.  All payments are made in US dollar and any conversion will be calculated and assigned accordingly.

SAFETY SPOTTERS

Safety spotters are individuals that are voluntarily provided by the performing program as a safety precaution for the routine. The Spirit Network will NOT be providing safety spotters. The Spirit Network is allowing teams to provide up to 4 of their own safety spotters for each of their competition performances. It will be the discretion of the coach how many safety spotters, if any, they choose to use. 

Guidelines on the use of Safety Spotters 

Safety spotters: 

• Should be trained to know proper spotting technique. 

• Should be at least 16 years old and familiar with spotting the skills of the performing team. 

• May only be used for stunts, pyramids and/or basket tosses. They must remain at the back of the performance area at all other times and must not act in a manner that distracts from the athletes and their performance. 

• Are there to help ‘catch’ falls and/or mistakes to the competition floor. 

• Should not touch, assist, or save skills being performed. Any touch, assist, or saved skill will be given a fall deduction. 

• Spotting of tumbling is prohibited. 

• Should be dressed so that they are presentable, professional, and distinguishable from the performing athletes. Rules governing behavior, clothing and shoes should also be adhered to by the spotters. Please remember to remove all jewelry. 

• Must not verbally coach during the routine. 

• Must not engage in excessive behavior before, during or after the performance. 

• Remember, touching the skill WILL result in a point deduction. It is best to be present for safety reasons, but, unless there is a fall, do not do anything that will appear to help or assist with the stunt. 

Spotting is allowed for your own teams. Individuals must be designated as spotters and not wearing a team uniform. Refer to the TSN Policies. Also, please be sure to remove credentials, hats and any other apparel such as backpacks, fanny packs, or other apparel that may inhibit the ability to spot your team or put the spotter or athlete in danger. Appropriate athletic footwear is required on the mat. No heels or shoes with wheels.

Note: To provide the safest competitive environment, teams should not attempt skills beyond their ability level. 

TICKETS

• All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges or name transfers.

• Presale begins 1 month prior to the event. All orders must be picked up by the purchaser at the Pre-Sale table at the venue on the day of the event. ID required for pickup.

• Treat Wristbands like cash. If this wristband is lost or stolen it will not be replaced.

• PRESALE ENDS THE NIGHT PRIOR TO COMPETITION. ALL REMAINING TICKET SALES WILL BE ON-SITE AT THE VENUE.

PHOTO POLICY

• No professional video or photo (cameras with detachable lenses) allowed in the competition venues.

• For athlete safety, there is no recording or photographing performances of teams outside of your program.