TEAM COMPETITION DETAILS
UPDATED for 2011 event!
When Do CHEER Teams Compete?
ALL cheer TEAMS WILL COMPETE 2 ROUNDS ON SATURDAY, WITH A GRAND CHAMP ROUND TO END THE DAY OF COMPETITION. SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
When Do DANCE Teams Compete?
ALL POM ROUTINES WILL COMPETE ON FRIDAY WITH THE REMAINING STYLES DIVISION ROUNDS AND A GRAND CHAMP ROUND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
Who Can Be On A School/Rec Team?
Participants must be on the team during the current school year. (I.e. if a participant was on the squad during the fall but not performing during the winter months, they can still compete on the team since they were once on the squad. Also, if a participant has graduated prior to the competition but was on the squad during that school year, he/she may still compete at the competition.)
Is There A MINIMUM / MAXIMUM Number Of Participants On A teaM?
SCHOOL / REC: NO - UPA IS THE ONLY EVENT OF THIS SORT WHO DOES NOT LIMIT THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS ON A TEAM. THERE ARE NO SIZE RESTRICTIONS. UPA HAS NO MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERFORMERS. BRING AS MANY (OR AS FEW) AS YOU DESIRE TO MAKE YOUR ROUTINE SPECTACULAR.
ALL STAR : YES - ALL STAR TEAMS MUST ADHERE TO USASF SQUAD SIZE GUIDELINES.
Is There A Maximum Number Of Teams Who Are Allowed To Attend?
Yes - Because of the personalized touch and great organization of this event, UPA will limit the number of teams who may attend the AmeriCup.
How Many ROUTINES Can We bring?
YOU MAY ENTER UP TO 2 ROUTINES PER roster WITH NO EXTRA CHARGES. AN ADDITIONAL ROUTINE FEE OF $400 WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR ACCOUNt IF YOU CHOOSE TO COMPETE MORE THAN TWICE. CONTACT REGCOORD@UPAINC.NET FOR REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE. NOTE: THE SAME ROUTINE, EVEN WITH SLIGHT CHOREGRAPHY CHANGES, MAY NOT BE PERFORMED IN TWO DIVISIONS. (EXAMPLE: ROUTINE A COMPETES IN THE NON-MOUNTING CHEER DIVISION AND THE POM DIVISION). CHEER TEAMS WILL COMPETE THE SAME ROUTINE TWICE TO DETERMINE THE DIVISION CHAMP. THERE WILL ALSO BE A GRAND CHAMP ROUND.
How Do I Determine the AVERAGE GRADE?
SCHOOL AND REC TEAMS COMPETITION DIVISION IS DETERMINED BY AVERAGE GRADE. TO DETERMINE, List all performers along with their grade in school. Add up the grades and divide by the number of performers. This will be the average grade of your team. [I.e. 4.3 = 4th grade / 5.8 = 6th grade]
What Is The TIME LIMIT?
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TIME IS TWO MINUTES & THIRTY SECONDS (2:30) INCLUDING CHOREOGRAPHED ENTRANCES AND EXITS. THERE IS NO MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENT. ROUTINES MAY INCLUDE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF SONGS. TIMING BEGINS WITH THE FIRST CHOREOGRAPHED MOVEMENT, WORD, OR BEAT OF MUSIC EXECUTED BY THE TEAM AFTER THEY ARE INTRODUCED. TIMING ENDS WITH THE LAST CHOREOGRAPHED MOVEMENT, WORD, OR BEAT OF MUSIC. NOTE: A SIMPLE 5,6,7,8 AND HITTING A POSE DOES NOT COUNT AS CHOREOGRAPHED.
TIMING SUGGESTION: BECAUSE PENALTIES ARE SEVERE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ROUTINES HAVE A CUSHION (10 SECONDS OR SO) TO ALLOW FOR VARIATIONS IN SOUND SYSTEMS AND VENUES. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS.
Dance worlds Time limit is 2:30.
How is The TIME Determined?
Timing begins with the first choreographed movement, word, or beat of music executed by the team after they are introduced. Timing ends with the last choreographed movement, word, or beat of music. No choreographed entrances/exits allowed, unless it falls within the two minutes & thirty seconds (2:30) time limit.
Timing Suggestion: It is recommended that choreographers finish their routines CLOSE TO 2:20 to ensure the team doesn't go over the time limit. No extensions given. UPA WILL ENFORCE THIS TIME LIMIT.
WHAT ARE THE MUSIC REQUIREMENTS?
RECORDED MUSIC SHOULD BE BURNED ON A HIGH QUALITY MUSIC CD OR AS MP3 FILES AT THE APPROPRIATE RECORDING LEVEL. ANY OTHER FILE FORMAT IS NOT GUARANTEED TO PLAY IN THE PROVIDED SOUND SYSTEM. ONLY ONE PLAYER WILL BE PROVIDED. NO CASSETTE TAPES WILL BE PERMITTED.
IPODS CAN BE USED BUT MUST ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
VOLUME SHOULD BE SET ON HIGH (MAXIMUM LEVEL).
ANY USER EQ’S SHOULD BE TURNED OFF ON THE IPOD.
THE SOUNDCHECK FEATURE SHOULD BE TURNED OFF (IPOD ONLY).
AN ADAPTER MUST BE PROVIDED, BY TEAM REPRESENTATIVE PLAYING THE MUSIC, IF MUSIC IS A 1ST OR 2ND GENERATION IPHONE.
UPA WILL PROVIDE A STANDARD MINI PLUG OR 3.5MM CONNECTOR/CABLE.
THE AUDIO SYSTEM WILL NOT BE IN STEREO, BUT IN MONO.
What if I compete on a CHEER TEAM and a DANCE TEAM?
Team members competing in the Cheer and the Dance competition team should report for their performance times as scheduled. If you should run into a tight time frame between performances, please notify the UPA staff person checking you in that you will be coming as soon as you complete your performance. A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT OUT IN FEBRUARY GIVING COACHES AN OPPORTUNITY TO NOTIFY UPA OF ANY CROSSOVER CONFLICTS. COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE TO NOTIFY UPA IN THE ALOTTED TIME.
What Happens If There Is An INTERRUPTION IN ROUTINE?
If an interruption in performance routine takes place due to UPA/Convention Center equipment, power failure, music error, etc., you may restart your routine from the beginning. If for some reason one or all of your team is unable to complete the performance, you may request a redo in its entirety. UPA reserves the right to determine if a redo is allowable. UPA will determine when the redo will take place.
When Does UPA Have The Right To STOP A ROUTINE?
UPA reserves the right to stop a performance due to an injury. UPA’s head judge will determine when the performance will be re-scheduled for judging.
What Happens If Someone Is BLEEDING?
When it is detected that a participant is bleeding, has an open wound or an excessive amount of blood on the uniform, the participant shall stop performing to receive proper treatment. UPA reserves the right to stop the performance. UPA’s head judge will determine when the performance will be re-scheduled for judging.
What Happens If Someone Is UNCONSCIOUS?
When a participant is rendered unconscious or apparently unconscious, the participant shall not be permitted to resume participation without written authorization from a physician. UPA reserves the right to stop the performance. UPA’s head judge will determine when the performance will be re-scheduled for judging.
When Can We Place Our SIGNS/Poms/ETC.?
All competitors should enter the floor after any pre-placement of poms immediately without tumbling. Choreographed entrances will count towards the time requirement.
Can MASCOTS Be Part Of Our Competition Routine?
Mascots may perform with their team as an actual performer or simply as an added ‘prop’.
COMPETITION FLOORS
What Do The CHEER TEAMS Compete On?
cheer teams THAT FOLLOW National Federation (NFHS) RULES/GUIDELINES will compete on A FOAM MAT FLOOR measuring 9 strips (54’ x 42’ / front to back). BASED ON THE NFHS RULE 2-1-7: The use of mini-tramps, spring boards, spring-assisted floors or any height-increasing apparatus is illegal for use during performances/competitions. UPA does not assess penalties for going off the mat but for safety reasons, it is strongly discouraged.
cheer teams THAT FOLLOW USASF RULES/GUIDELINES will compete on A SPRING FLOOR measuring 9 strips (54’ x 42’ / front to back). UPA does not assess penalties for going off the mat but for safety reasons, it is strongly discouraged.
What Are The STAGE DIMENSIONS For Dance Teams?
Dance teams compete on a professional wood stage. Dimensions are 71.5’ wide across the front of the stage. The shape of the stage tapers down similar to a triangle like shape. The back of the stage is 40’ wide. The width (front to back) measures 36’ feet.
RULES & COMPETITION DETAILS
What STYLE Of Competition Is The AmeriCup?
Bring what you do best! No particular style is favored. Our judges are a diverse group from across the country with varying backgrounds.
DOES UPA ALLOW CROSSOVERS?
YES. PARTICIPANTS MAY COMPETE ON MORE THAN ONE ROSTER (CROSSOVER) BUT MUST REGISTER WITH BOTH and the best part is it's free!
What RULES Do I Need To Adhere To?
* All teams must adhere to UPA General Rules
* All Star teams will also adhere to the USASF guidelines
* School/Rec teams will also adhere to the National Federation guidelines starting with Section 3: Height Limitations and including rule 2.1.7.
* Collegiate level squads will also adhere to USASF level 6 guidelines
What If I Have A SAFETY Question?
FEBRUARY 1ST DEADLINE: UPA will not answer any safety question over the phone. You must submit it via DVD for the safety judges to review or email judge@upainc.net. Details
Are There TRAINERS & SPOTTERS On Hand?
UPA will provide spotters for all mounting divisions. UPA spotters are in addition to the mandatory team spotters required by the National Federation Spirit Safety Rules and/or the USASF Rules. UPA spotters are required and no requests can be made to have them leave the competition floor during a performance. UPA spotters will not remove props. A trainer will be available throughout the weekend. UPA spotters are on site for safety concerns only; teams should provide their own trainers to tape/wrap & spotters.
ARE THE SCHEDULES POSTED ONLINE?
NO - REGISTERED TEAMS HAVE ACCESS TO THE COMPETITION SCHEDULES VIA THE PRIVATE COACH SITE. VERIFY YOUR TEAM’S COMPETITION TIMES WITH THE COACH. FINAL SCHEDULES WILL BE AVAILABLE THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
DIVISIONS
How Are The DIVISIONS Determined?
* SCHOOL/REC Divisions are determined by the average grade level of the participants and have no size restrictions.
* ALL STAR divisions are determined by actual age of the youngest and oldest participant. The age of the competitor as of August 31st 2009 will be the age used for competition purposes throughout the 2010-2011 season for all divisions.
It is the competing team’s responsibility to enter the correct division. Teams will be penalized if entered incorrectly with a style violation penalty. Should a team win a title and it later be determined that they were ineligible for that division; the title and prizes will be removed. UPA reserves the right to combine, omit, or change divisions for any reason.
what are the division definitions?
UPA is proud to offer competition for all ages. We have over 100 divisions for Schools, All Star teams, and Rec programs. Details
What Happens If There is Only ONE TEAM IN A DIVISION?
A team will compete against themselves if they are the only team entered in a particular division. In order to receive the Champion title, they must earn 65% or better (exception: mini, tiny & youth divisions with only one team in the division will be determined the champion regardless of score).UPA reserves the right to add, change, delete or combine divisions for any reason. ALL star teams will be SPLIT and/or combined based on usasf requirements.
Can Our Team UPGRADE To A Higher Division?
NO. Teams may not upgrade to a higher division {i.e. Varsity II upgrades to Varsity I or High School upgrades to All Star}. Teams must register for their division based on division guidelines.
COSTUMING/UNIFORMS
Is JEWELRY Permitted For CHEER?
Cheer teams may not wear any ‘hard’ jewelry (i.e. metal, hard plastic, etc.). EXCEPTION: religious or medical medals, which shall be taped to the body under the apparel.
Is JEWELRY Permitted For DANCE?
Dance teams may wear jewelry and accessories that are considered to be costuming and worn by entire team.
Can We Wear GLITTER?
Glitter is legal if cosmetic grade. No craft glitter is permissible. Glitter must readily adhere to the body. Glitter in makeup, hairspray, etc. are legal. Loose glitter sprinkled on the body is not legal. Note: Spilled glitter must be cleaned up by individual/team or a fee will be assessed to said team.
What APPLIQUÉS, ETC. Can Be Worn While Competing?
Participants MAY wear stick on or glue on appliqués, stickers or rhinestones.
Are There Any Restrictions for ARTIFICIAL LIMBS?
Participants may use artificial limbs.
What Are the SHOE Requirements For CHEER?
Cheer team members must wear athletic shoes (no bare feet or gymnastic shoes).
What Are the SHOE Requirements For DANCE?
Dance team members may wear appropriate dance shoes (i.e.: tennis shoes, jazz shoes, lyrical sandles) or may go bare foot.
ENTRANCE & EXITS
Where Do The CHEER Teams ENTER?
Cheer teams will enter CENTER stage and exit stage LEFT. If you are standing on the stage facing out to the audience, you will enter from the middle and exit on to your LEFT. Teams should rehearse their entrance & exit to familiarize them with the procedure. Official Coach ID badges must be worn in order to access the backstage (CHUTE) area.
Where Do The DANCE Teams ENTER?
Dance teams will enter CENTER stage and exit stage left. If you are standing on the stage facing out to the audience, you will enter from the middle and exit on to your left. Teams should rehearse their entrance & exit to familiarize them with the procedure. Official Coach ID badges must be worn in order to access the backstage area.
TEAM AWARDS PROCEDURE & CHAMPIONS
Where Are The Awards Announced?
To accommodate the performance schedules, the Majority of awards are held in A separate awardS room.
Specific division award times will be listed in the program book. teams and coaches will be permitted to enter first, then guest and spectators. We want to make sure the students performing are there for the awards. Please make sure to inform your parents/guests of this policy.
What If I Am Scheduled To Compete During My Awards Time?
You should stick with the competition schedule. We will try everything possible to avoid this situation but unfortunately, some teams do conflict. Once you have finished competing, you can proceed to the awards room or go to the Information Booth in the lobby to pick up your awards.
Can I Win A Division Title If I Am The Only Team In My Division?
Yes. But you need to earn 65% or better in order to be given the title. If not, you will be awarded second place.
RESULTS & RECAPS
What Is A One-On-One judge chat?
Unique to UPA, judges will give you valuable insight into their personal opinions and feelings of your routine. Keep in mind that what ONE judge thinks (i.e.: is unique) may differ from the next judge. That is why we have a panel of diverse judges with a variety of backgrounds. All judges have passed the UPA Judge Certification Program. UPA feels it is important to leave with feedback you can incorporate into your program for future events. Therefore, we have scheduled a set time for coaches to sit down, face-to-face, with our judges and gain feedback on their performance. Captains can attend this session with the coaches if you so desire.
Do We Receive The Score Sheets?
Yes. Score sheets will be made available at the end of the competition. If you are unable to wait until the conclusion of the event, UPA will mail the score sheets directly to you within two weeks of the event.
Do We Receive A Recap?
Yes. UPA will compile a complete listing of all performances, scores, final standings and violations. This recap will be posted on the coach site following the event.
What Can We Win?
UPA awards over $250,000 in prizes and scholarships at the UPA Americup! Various prize packages are awarded to winners. A complete listing will be given at the event.
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