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NDCCA Competition

Game Day Routine

The Game Day division is designed to showcase a team’s ability to create an authentic game-day atmosphere through school spirit, crowd engagement, strong motions, chants, stunting, tumbling, music, and effective use of props.

Game Day Division Rules

  1. A maximum of 24 athletes may be on the floor for Game Day.

  2. Performance will have a time limit of 3 minutes.

  3. Time will begin at the start of the first word/beat of the music.

  4. Dances and chants learned at camp MAY be used.

  5. You will NOT be able to place props on the mat ahead of your time starting.

  6. Stunt limitations (0.25 point penalty deduction per instance)

    1. No tosses such as baskets or other similar type tosses.

    2. No inversions.

    3. No twisting dismounts.

    4. Single-leg extended stunts are limited to liberties and liberty hitches.

  7. Tumbling limitations (0.25 point penalty deduction per instance)

    1. No running tumbling.

    2. Standing tumbling, standing back handsprings and standing tucks are allowed.

    3. Stepping into or connecting tumbling is considered running tumbling.

  8. Stunting is a requirement in the Game Day division, so any team competing must be a certified team (this includes middle school teams).

Game Day Competition Rules

ENTRANCE:

  • You rally on to the mat with all your poms, signs, flags. Keep rallying until you hear the announcer.

ROUTINE TRANSITION:

  • Transitions between parts. Natural energy and spirit at all times. Proper placement of props. If there is enough space, you can add standing tumbling and jumps/kicks throughout. Building skills are not permitted during transitions.

BAND CHANT:

  • The Band Chant will be consistent with the summer camp format. Teams should demonstrate spirit and enthusiasm while entering the performance floor and before the music begins. A cue will not be given to start the Band Chant. Once the music begins, the teams cannot incorporate any skills other than kicks and jumps. Squads should utilize spirit raising props and focus on creative movements such as level changes or ripples, execution of the material and encouraging the crowd to participate.

SITUATIONAL SIDELINE:

  • The announcer will provide a cue for offense or defense. Teams should wait until the announcer finishes the cue and show the proper response to the game day situation. Squads should focus on crowd effectiveness, motion technique and skills relevant to a game day environment. Chant repeats and ends after a verbal command or a set, designated number of times. NOTE: It is optional to incorporate skills into the sideline (stunts, jumps and/or standing tumbling). Please review the skill restrictions above.

CHEER:

  • Following the Sideline, teams must return to the performance surface and show a clear separation between elements. Teams can show spirited interaction as a clear transition into the Cheer but are not allowed to stunt while transitioning. The cheer should be reflective of a timeout cheer and encourage the crowd to yell along.  Teams are required to incorporate spirit props and practical skills (stunts and/or tumbling, if the division allows).

SCHOOL SONG / FIGHT SONG:

  • The final element should reflect your school’s traditional school song or a fight song using sharp motions to music. Ripples, line changes, etc. can be added. Teams may incorporate crowd effective skills (stunts and/or standing tumbling) and can include spirit raising props (flags, poms, signs) to enhance the overall effect.  School Song/Fight Song incorporation is limited to three (3) consecutive 8-counts of stunts and/or standing tumbling. For teams that do not have an official School Song, it is recommended to use a second selection of band chant music. 

Game Day Tips

  • Choreograph to Maximize Score Sheet

  • Music Choice is Key. Use Props Effectively Lead, Not just perform.

  • Line Movement – F/B, S/S

  • Easy Motions, Sharp Technique Make Fillers Count

  • Popcorn Skills

  • Keep it Simple, Less is More

  • Props on Top

  • Difficulty is NOT on the Scoresheet.

  • Raise Your Voice

  • Keep it Together

  • Know the Skill Incorp Rules

  • Show Your Spirit

Game Day Routine Resources

📄 Game Day Routine Rubric

View the official scoring rubric for the Game Day Routine division.

📄 Game Day Routine Scoresheet
View the official scoresheet used for the Game Day Routine division.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding these rules or competition requirements, please contact the NDCCA Board at ndccaboard@gmail.com or Jen Lawson, NDCCA President at
president@ndccaboard.com

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