Rules/guidlines

As a guideline, we follow the FHSAA rules. We have local adopted rules such as:

This is a 5v5 league for Flag Football and Basketball. A minimum of five players per age group is required to start; the game cannot be finished with four.

Flag Football is a co‑ed 5v5 league loosely following FHSAA rules. The game must start with five players but may finish with four. The opposing coach may elect to continue with five or continue with four. Depending on participation, we will have at least three seasons per year: Summer, Winter, and Spring. The season will consist of six games played on Sundays, with the first game at 1 p.m. Depending on need (e.g., weather), a double‑header may be played. A playoff game for the league champion and a consolation game are included. We are working toward an inter‑league championship game with Minneola ITG Sports.

A fumble is dead where the ball hits the ground. No kickoffs or punts. A punt may be declared, and the ball placed on the receiving team’s 5‑yard line on the exchange. The ball must be snapped between the center’s legs — no side snaps or hand‑backs.

Basketball will closely follow FHSAA rules, as will Cheer. Cheer routines will be decided by the Cheer Coordinator.

A player may play up based on the league’s discretion but never “down” for any reason. A player may be on multiple rosters — their actual age roster and one age group up — but never two rosters in the same age group. An additional registration fee may apply. Rosters are set after Week 2.

Although Cheer will follow the same guidelines, we will make determinations based on roster size.

As part of registration, football and basketball players will be provided with a jersey. Parents must provide a mouthguard, black shorts with no pockets or exposed strings, and athletic shoes or rubber/plastic cleats. They will not be allowed to play without this equipment.

Cheer will be provided with a uniform and pom‑poms. Parents must supply shoes and a hair bow. The Cheer Coordinator will provide additional information.

Basketball will loosely follow FHSAA rules.

An advanced player may play up in age; a player may never play down. Players may be on multiple rosters, but not within the same age group.

The game must start with five players and may finish with four due to injury; otherwise, it is considered a forfeit. The opposing coach may elect to reduce on‑court personnel to four, but this is optional and not required.

Your league will provide team jerseys (tank‑top style). Parents will provide black shorts (no pockets; strings must be concealed), athletic shoes, impact‑resistant eyeglasses if appropriate, and a mouthguard (optional but highly recommended). No slides, flip‑flops, Crocs, etc. are allowed during practice, warm‑ups, or games. Athletic shoes only on any court.

Medical jewelry is allowed and encouraged if needed. Arm sleeves and headbands are permitted but may not interfere with the game. Offensive or excessively loud gear will not be worn or tolerated.

 Youth cheerleading rules and expectations focus heavily on athlete safety, consistent appearance, positive sportsmanship, and strong team commitment. 

Core Safety Rules

• No Jewelry: All earrings, rings, necklaces, and piercings must be removed before practices or games to prevent injury during stunting. Medical devices are allowed.
• Nail Restrictions: Fingernails must be kept short (sports length) and cannot extend past the fingertips when viewed from the palm side. Acrylic or fake nails are not permitted.
• Hair Constraints: Hair must be worn completely up and tightly secured away from the face to ensure a clear line of sight.
• Routines: Routines may be traditional, dance, hip‑hop, etc. All routines will be selected by the Cheer Coordinator and Coaches with a primary focus on participant safety. Routines must be clean and non‑suggestive.
• No Inversions: For youth recreational and sideline cheer, inversions where the head goes below the hips are strictly prohibited.
• Spotter Requirements: Dedicated front and back spotters are mandatory for all stunts and pyramids, which generally cannot exceed chest or prep height. Spotters may be coaches, parents, or older cheer participants. Team skill level and age may also influence spotter requirements.
• Surface Rules: Stunting and tumbling are not allowed on unsafe surfaces, during live game play, or when a sports player is injured on the field. Practices, rehearsals, and warm‑ups will be conducted using mats and blocks as necessary.
• No Gum: Chewing gum or eating candy is strictly forbidden during any practice or performance to prevent choking hazards.

Appearance & Uniform Expectations

• Unified Look: The entire squad must look identical on game day. Everyone must wear the same matching shell, skirt, bloomers, socks, and official hair bow.
• Weather Layers: If temperatures drop, the team must collectively agree on matching long‑sleeve undergarments or jackets to maintain a unified appearance.
• Footwear Only: Official white cheer shoes must be worn exclusively for cheering and cannot be replaced with flip‑flops, Crocs, or casual slides. Cheer shoes will be determined by the Cheer Coordinator and Coaches and purchased by parents.
• Natural Presentation: Loose body glitter and excessive makeup are prohibited.

 Commitment & Conduct Expectations

• Punctuality: Cheerleaders must arrive fully dressed and ready at least one hour before games for proper stretching and stunt warm‑ups.
• Attendance Policy: Because formations and stunt groups rely on every participant, unexcused absences may result in temporary benching or routine adjustments.
• Sideline Focus: While on the track or field, cheerleaders must stand in assigned positions, limit talking, and keep full attention on the game.
• Digital Respect: Athletes must sign a code of conduct agreeing not to post negative or inappropriate comments about teammates, coaches, or opposing teams on social media.
• Positive Attitude: Cheers, signs, and dance moves must remain entirely positive, clean, and supportive of the athletes on the field.

15-13 year old

12-11 year old

10-9 year old

8-7 year old

6-5 year old