Glossary of Terms

A pyramid configuration in which the highest top person is supported by base(s) who are standing on the performance surface. The standard maximum height for most allstar levels.

A pyramid in which a top person is partially supported at a height above 2-high, such as a hanging pyramid. Subject to specific level restrictions.

A cartwheel or walkover executed without the hands touching the ground or performance surface. The athlete rotates through an inverted position while airborne.

The official chart that determines which age divisions athletes are eligible for based on their age as of August 31 of the competition year.

A cheerleading program not affiliated with a school, whose primary purpose is to train and compete against other programs. Teams perform routines at competitions judged on difficulty, execution, creativity, and performance.

A team composed entirely of female athletes, competing in a division designed for all-female teams.

A single-leg stunt in which the top person stands on one straight supporting leg while extending the unsupported leg straight behind the body, keeping the torso upright. Arms are typically held in a T position.

A tumbling skill in which the athlete performs a half twist into a front flip. The twist is completed before the rotation of the flip begins.

A coed style stunt becomes assisted if at any point the spotter touches the base and/or top person, including the dip for the dismount.

A stunt similar to an extension except the bases bring their hands together to the middle so the top person's feet are positioned very close together, supported in the hands of the base or bases.

An airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete jumps backward onto the hands, pushes through the shoulders, and returns to the feet. Also called flip-flop or flick-flack.

A person responsible for the safe landing of a top person during a stunt, dismount, toss, or release. The spotter remains on the performance surface and is positioned behind the stunt to protect the top person's head and shoulders.

An airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete jumps and rotates backward through an inverted tucked position, landing on the feet without hand support.

A non-aerial tumbling skill in which the athlete moves backward into an arched position, places the hands on the ground, and rotates the hips over the head, landing on one foot at a time.

A non-aerial tumbling skill in which the athlete rotates backward through an inverted position by curving the spine in a tucked position.

A release move in which the top person's body rotates at least 360 degrees while remaining parallel to the performance surface, like a log rolling.

The person(s) in direct weight-bearing contact with the performance surface who holds, lifts, or tosses a top person into a stunt. If only one person is under the top person's foot, that person is considered a base regardless of hand placement.

A toss involving up to 4 bases, in which 2 bases interlock their wrists in a basket-weave grip to create a platform. The top person is tossed into the air and performs skills before being caught in a cradle.

An invitation for a team to compete at a postseason or end-of-season event, typically earned by placing well at qualifying competitions during the regular season.

The increase in height achieved by using the hands and upper body power to push off the performance surface during a tumbling skill, such as at the end of a cartwheel or round off.

An error or visible instability during a technical skill, such as a shaky stunt, a hand down on tumbling, or an incomplete twist in a cradle.

When an athlete uses the energy and rebound from a tumbling pass to seamlessly continue into another skill, extending the overall tumbling sequence.

A skill where an athlete takes off from both feet at the same time, landing on the hands, passing through the handstand position, driving the feet over with hips lifted to land on the feet.

A single-leg stunt in which the top person grabs the foot of the working leg with the opposite hand, pulls it tight to the torso, keeps the working leg straight, and reaches the free arm through the space between the working leg and gripping arm to create the shape of a bow and arrow.

A physical connection from one top person to another that helps provide stability. The connection must be through the hand(s)/arm(s); the shoulder alone is not considered a legal connection.

A stunt in which a top person performs a hip-over-head rotation while maintaining constant physical contact with another top person(s) throughout the skill.

A top person in direct physical contact with another top person that helps provide stability during a pyramid. A bracer may not also serve as a base. Hair and uniform are not appropriate body parts for bracing.

A T motion with the elbows bent at 90 degrees, bringing the fists toward the shoulders.

An arm position in which both arms are extended straight out in front of the body with the fists facing down, as if holding the handle of a bucket in each hand.

A quick upward motion by the bases to reposition or elevate the top person, often used to transition from one stunt position to another.

An arm position in which both arms are extended straight out in front of the body with the fists facing each other, as if holding a candle in each hand.

A non-aerial tumbling skill in which the athlete supports their body weight with the arm(s) while rotating sideways through an inverted position, landing on one foot at a time.

Person(s) responsible for catching a top person during a dismount, toss, or release move. Catchers must be on the performance surface when the skill is initiated and must make physical contact with the top person upon catching.

A stunt position in which the top person sits supported by the base(s), lifts one knee up with the toe pointed down, while the other leg is held by a base. Arms are typically up in a V position.

The set arrangement and design of all elements in a routine, including stunts, tumbling, jumps, dance, transitions, and formations.

A hand position in which both hands are clasped together, typically held at the center of the body. Commonly used during cheers and chants.

A term describing a routine or skill performed with precise technique, proper body control, and no visible errors.

A team that includes both male and female athletes, competing in a division that requires or allows mixed-gender teams.

Multiple skills that are continuous and do not involve elements that would break it up into multiple passes. Example: Level 1 – Back Walkover Series or FWO - CW - BWO

Two or more skills are simultaneously performed to make one transitional style skill. Example: Full Twisting Tic-Toc

Two or more passes that are broken up by; step(s), chassé/sashay, rebound step, a pause, or a change in direction etc. This does not include a jump within a pass. Example: Level 3 – Punch Front Chassé or Step FWO - RO - BHS - Tuck

Two or more skills are performed in sequence to each other.

The rhythmic system used to time movements in cheerleading. One eight count consists of 8 beats. Routines are mapped out by eight counts.

A dismount or catch in which the bases catch the top person in a face-up, pike-like position with one base catching under the back/shoulders and the other under the thighs.

When an athlete competes on more than one team within a program, performing on multiple routines during a competition.

Multiple skills performed throughout the routine.

A gym classification for programs with more than 125 athletes. D1 gyms compete in the D1 competitive track.

A gym classification for programs with 125 athletes or fewer. D2 gyms have their own competitive track and postseason events such as the D2 Summit.

An arm position in which the fists are placed on the hips with the elbows pointing outward and back.

A drill in which the top person falls straight backward (or forward) from a stunt, keeping the body rigid, to be caught by the bases. Used to build trust and catching technique.

Points subtracted from a team's score due to errors during the routine, such as stunt falls, athlete falls, safety violations, or time violations.

The downward bending motion by the base(s) used to generate upward momentum for tossing or lifting a top person into a stunt. The point of initiation for building skills.

The ending movement from a stunt or pyramid that is released to a cradle or released to the performance surface.

A forward roll preceded by a diving motion in which the athlete becomes airborne before placing the hands on the ground and rolling through.

A competitive category determined by a combination of factors such as team size, age, level, and whether the team is coed or all-girl.

A layout with two complete 360-degree twists performed simultaneously with the backward flip rotation.

A jump in which both legs are extended out to the sides while each arm creates a ninety-degree angle, with the legs pulled high.

When a top person or stunt falls to the performance surface during a routine, resulting in a deduction.

A two-base, two-leg stunt at prep level in which each base holds one of the top person's feet at shoulder height.

The primary competitive tier in allstar cheerleading, encompassing Levels 1–7 across multiple age divisions (Tiny, Mini, Youth, Junior, Senior, Open).

A company or organization responsible for organizing, hosting, and running cheerleading competitions and events.

A scoring category that evaluates how cleanly and technically skills are performed within the routine. Higher execution scores reflect better technique and fewer errors.

A two leg stunt at the extended level where the top person is held in a standing vertical position.

Expressive smiles, eye contact, and animated expressions performed by athletes during the routine to engage the crowd and judges.

The last round of a multi-day competition in which the top-scoring teams from preliminary rounds compete for placement and awards.

A stunt in which the top person is positioned horizontally (face up) and is supported by two or more bases.

A waist-level stunt in which the base is lying on the performance surface on their back with arm(s) extended, supporting the top person.

The arrangement and positioning of athletes on the performance floor during different sections of the routine.

A non-airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete rotates forward through an inverted position by curving the spine, similar to a ball rolling across the floor.

An airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete steps or hurdles forward, places the hands on the ground, and pushes off through the shoulders to rotate the body forward and land on the feet.

An additional person in a stunt group positioned at the front of the stunt to add stability. Typically holds the foot of the top person or the wrists of the side bases.

An airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete jumps forward, rotates through an inverted tucked position, and lands on the feet. A 'punch' front uses a two-foot takeoff.

A non-aerial tumbling skill in which the athlete kicks forward through a handstand position and arches the body down to land on one foot at a time.

A layout with a complete 360-degree twist performed simultaneously with the backward flip rotation. Also referred to as a 'full twisting layout.'

A practice run of the entire routine at full performance intensity, including all skills, dance, and performance elements, as if it were being performed at a competition.

Quantity descriptors used in scoring to indicate how many athletes or groups must perform a skill simultaneously. Requirements vary by division and are defined in the scoresheet.

A stunt entrance in which the top person performs a full (360-degree) twist while being tossed or loaded into a stunt position.

A single-based stunt at prep level where the top person is supported under both feet and is held in a standing vertical position by 1 base, who is standing on the performance surface.

A straight-body inverted position in which the athlete supports their weight on the hands with arms fully extended and body vertical.

A pyramid configuration in which a top person is suspended between two stunt groups, supported by connections to other top persons rather than by bases from below.

A single-leg stunt in which the top person stands on one leg and pulls the other leg up beside the head, holding it at or near full extension with the hand on the same side.

A stunt in which a top person in a horizontal position is tossed by the bases to rotate around a vertical axis (like helicopter blades) before being caught by the original bases.

A cheerleading jump named after Lawrence 'Herk' Herkimer, characterized by one arm held in a T position and the other arm in a high V, with the legs in opposite positions—one extended to the side and one bent.

An arm position in which both arms are extended above the head at approximately a 45-degree angle, forming a V shape.

When a team performs their routine with zero deductions—no falls, drops, or safety violations. Considered a successful and clean routine.

A jump in which one leg is extended straight out to the front while the other leg is bent underneath or behind the body. Also known as a 'front hurdler.'

A sub-division within the Elite tier designed to include and be more accessible to teams from outside the United States.

Athlete has at least one foot above the head and shoulders are the below the waist.

An arm position in which one arm is in a high V position while the other arm is in a low V position on the same side, creating a K shape.

An arm position in which one arm is extended straight up (touchdown) while the other arm is extended straight out to the side (T), creating an L shape.

An airborne tumbling skill in which the athlete flips backward with the body held in a straight or slightly arched position (not tucked).

A classification (1 through 7) that determines which skills a team is permitted to perform. Each level has specific rules governing the difficulty of stunts, tumbling, pyramids, and tosses.

The official document that outlines which specific skills are classified as Advanced or Elite at each level, used by judges to assess difficulty.

A single-leg stunt in which the base(s) hold 1 foot of the top person's supported leg while the top person's unsupported leg is bent, and the foot is placed at the side of the knee. Clarification: Both knees of the top person are facing forward/same direction.

A single-leg stunt in which the top person stands on one foot held by the base(s) while the unsupported leg is held straight next to or slightly behind the supporting leg. Also known as a 'dangle' or 'target position.'

A stunting position where the top person has both feet on the performance surface, hands on the base's wrists, and the base has hands on the top person's waist.

A stunting position in which the top person has at least one foot in the base(s) hands. The base(s) hands are at waist level.

An arm position in which both arms are extended downward at approximately a 45-degree angle, forming an inverted V shape.

The custom audio track used for a routine, typically produced by a cheer music company. Includes voice-overs, sound effects, and music designed to highlight and time each section.

An advanced flexibility position in which the top person's working leg is pulled completely overhead and behind the body while standing on one leg, creating a vertical split with the torso folded forward.

A competitive division in which tumbling skills are not allowed, allowing teams to focus on stunting, pyramids, dance, and performance.

An entry-level competitive division for athletes and programs new to allstar cheerleading, with simplified rules and scoring.

A tumbling skill in which the athlete performs a back handspring with a half twist to the hands, finishing the skill as a front handspring step out.

Single-leg stunts bracing each other while in the single-leg position. The stunt groups may or may not be extended.

A movement in which the top person falls from a vertical position and is caught by bases, usually in a flat or horizontal position, swinging in an arc-like motion.

The designated floor area (typically a spring floor or mat) on which routines are performed during competition.

A body position in which the athlete bends forward at the hips while keeping the legs straight. Used in flips and jumps.

A jump in which the athlete extends both legs straight out in front, parallel to the floor, with the arms reaching straight forward matching the shape of the legs.

A dismount in which the top person is released by the base(s) in a straight-bodied position and lands on the performance surface.

A person on the performance surface who aids a top person during a stunt, typically by providing an additional point of support or contact.

The first round(s) of a multi-day competition used to narrow the field before the final round.

A developmental division designed for athletes transitioning into allstar cheerleading. Often used for half-year teams or athletes new to the sport.

A 2-leg stunt at prep level where the top person is held in a standing vertical position. This would NOT include the following: flat back, straddle sit, T-lift, shoulder stand/sit, or other similar variations at prep level.

A face-down, flat body position where the top person is horizontal with the chest facing the ground.

Any time a top person is released from their base(s) during a pyramid transition. The top person is considered 'passing above two persons high' regardless of actual height.

A top person moving from one position to another within a pyramid. May involve changing bases provided at least one athlete at prep level or below maintains constant contact.

Top person and bases break contact to execute a building skill. Release skills need to release from and return to the same base/bases. In levels 1, 2, and 3, skills will resemble a released skill where a spotter may maintain contact except for on the foot. Clarification: For release style skills combined with twisting skills where the bases cannot fully release the top person, a base may start under the foot of the top person if that foot is in the lib position and the skill still resembles the look of a release style stunt.

A free-flipping release move used as an entrance skill into a stunt. The top person performs a backward flip (typically from the ground) and is caught by the bases in a stunt position.

A jump in which one leg is extended straight to the side while the other leg is bent. Named for the direction of the straight leg.

Two or more groups perform a skill(s) in pattern, sequential order, on pre-determined counts. Clarification: A single group cannot count more than once in a single ripple.

A skill similar to a cartwheel except the athlete lands with both feet placed together on the ground at the same time, facing the direction from which they started. Commonly used as a setup for backward tumbling.

A choreographed 2-minute and 30-second performance that includes stunts, tumbling, pyramids, jumps, dance, and cheer elements performed to music.

Tumbling that involves a forward step or hurdle used to gain momentum as an entry to a tumbling skill or pass.

A credentialed official at a competition responsible for identifying and flagging safety rule violations during routines.

A single portion of the routine where skills from a skill set are performed.

A single-leg body position in which the top person extends one leg out to the side or behind while the opposite arm extends upward, creating a balanced line through the body.

The document used by judges to evaluate and score a team's routine, broken into categories such as building skills, tumbling skills, and overall routine.

A single-leg stunt in which the top person stands on one leg, reaches behind the body, and pulls the other foot up and over the head, creating a curved body shape resembling a scorpion's tail.

A distinct portion of the routine dedicated to a specific skill set, such as the stunt section, pyramid section, standing tumbling section, running tumbling section, or jump section.

Multiple repetitions of the same tumbling skill performed consecutively (e.g., a back handspring series is multiple back handsprings in a row).

A stunt in which the top person sits on the shoulders of a base with one leg on either side of the base's head.

A stunt in which the top person stands on the shoulders of a base while the base supports the top person's feet/ankles.

A scoring category that evaluates the entertainment value, energy, crowd engagement, confidence, and visual appeal of the team's routine.

A loading position in which the top person's feet are in the hands of the bases at the bases' waist level with the top person's knees bent. Used as a starting position for stunts.

A performance surface with built-in springs beneath foam and carpet, used in allstar cheerleading to provide bounce for tumbling and energy absorption.

Tumbling performed from a stationary position without a running start or forward momentum.

A seated stunt position in which the top person sits with straight legs parallel to the performing surface in a straddle or V position.

Two or more top people in stunts connect, pause, and show a defined position. This is also commonly referred to as a 'picture.'

The same skill is performed at the same time by two or more athletes/groups. Example (Tumbling): 3 athletes perform RO-BHS-TUCK simultaneously starting with the RO and finishing with the tuck. Example (Building): 3 groups perform full twisting transition to extension at the same time.

An arm position in which both arms are extended straight out to the sides at shoulder height, forming a T shape.

A multi-base stunt in which the top person stands on the thighs of two bases who are positioned in a lunge stance.

A stunt in which the top person switches weight from one foot to the other, transitioning from a single-leg position on one side to a single-leg position on the other side.

A jump in which the athlete lifts both legs to the sides in a straddle position while reaching the arms toward the toes. The legs are brought up to the hands rather than the hands reaching down.

Any person being supported above the performance surface by one or more bases. The flyer is the athlete at the top of a stunt who performs body positions and skills while elevated.

An airborne stunt in which the top person is thrown by the bases from waist level to increase height. The top person becomes free of the performing surface and the bases during the toss.

An arm position in which both arms are extended straight up overhead, parallel to each other.

The choreographed movements between skill sections of a routine, including formation changes, dance elements, and visual effects.

Skills listed in the Level Appropriate Documents will use the following verbiage to specify the level at which the skill originates and how it transitions to the level at which it completes. FROM – A specified level at which a skill must originate from. TO – A change in the level from where the transition begins and ends. AT – A transition that begins and ends at the same level. TO/AT – A transition that can be performed 'TO' or 'AT'.

TO – Any combination of skills following the first skill and preceding the last. Example: FWO-RO-TO-TUCK. - – A connection of one skill to the next. Example: RO-BHS-FULL = Round off (followed by) Back handspring (followed by) Full. / – Signifies the word 'or'. Example: whip/tuck = whip or tuck.

A body position in which the knees are pulled tightly into the chest with the body folded. Also refers to a flip performed in this position.

A jump in which both knees are pulled up tight to the chest while airborne.

A dismount in which the top person performs one or more twisting rotations in a vertical position before being caught in a cradle by the bases.

Transitions that twist into, during, or out of a stunt – based upon the hip rotation of the top person at the initiation (bottom of the dip) of the skill. After the skill initiates, movement of the bases is allowed.

Top person and base perform a coed style stunt without any assistance, including the dip for the dismount. Clarification: Assisting with the catch of the dismount is allowed.

The degree to which athletes perform the same movements, timing, spacing, and technique simultaneously, contributing to the visual impact of the routine.

A back walkover style skill that starts in a seated position with one straight leg and one bent leg, lifting the straight leg and hips up and over into a back walkover.

A stunt entry in which the top person faces the base, places one foot in the base's hands, and is lifted into the stunt rather than being tossed.

A designated time and space before performing where teams can practice their routine and skills in preparation for the competition stage.

A non-twisting, backward-traveling, aerial tumbling skill that looks like a back handspring without the hands touching the ground. The body remains in an arched position.

A body position (often during a toss or tumbling skill) in which the athlete transitions from a tucked position to an extended straddle/X-position with arms and legs spread wide.

A routine performance in which no deductions are assessed. Also referred to as 'hitting zero.'