Routine Guidelines: Execute any type of pom/songleading routine with the use of tricks and dance technique (i.e. turns, leaps, jumps, etc.). Emphasis should be on synchronization and visual effects created by poms. All female members must use two poms for at least half of the routine. Props are not allowed and a deduction of 3 points will be taken if props are used. A prop is any physical object used to enhance the overall effect and/or theme of your routine.

Division Limitations: This competition will use divisions from United Spirit Association. The division limitations below are only a summary of the guidelines. Please refer to the USA website for more detailed description of the divisions limitations: USA Division Limitations

Total Routine Time Limit For Divisions 1, 2, 3, JV, MS: 2:30 maximum.

Total Routine Time Limit For Division 4/Gameday, JV, MS: 1:30 maximum.

Penalties will be assessed for routines going over the total routine time limit as follows: 1-10 seconds over = 1 point penalty; 11-20 seconds over = 2 point penalty, etc.

Dance General Safety Rules: All routines must follow the USA Song/Pom Safety Rules.

Dance Glossary of Terms: USA Song/Pom Glossary of Terms.

DIVISION 1 (Advanced Pom)

Any dance studio skills may be performed but there must still be an emphasis on pom visual effects.

An overall variety of all dance skills which includes pom, jazz, hip hop, kicks, or kickline should be included.

DIVISION 2 (Intermediate Pom)

In the addition to the skills permitted at the Division 3 level, the following skills will be permitted:

• Turns: double pirouettes, single leg hold turns (all turns must be in passe, coupe, pencil, or attitude position)

• Axels, jumps, and leaps except for switch/scissors

The following turning skills are not allowed: double/triple leg hold turns, triple pirouettes and higher, turn sequences longer than 1 8-count, 3 or more turn sequences in routine.

The following turn rules apply for Division 2: One or more team members may only perform a maximum of two stationary turn sequences which may not be performed consecutively. In a turn sequence, only fouettes, turns in second, and pirouettes may be performed for a maximum of one eight count and must be completed with both feet on the floor before executing another skill.

• Single and double pirouette turns within the sequence may be performed in passe, couple, pencil, or attitude positions. Touching or holding the working leg during the sequence is not permitted

• Spot direction must remain the same throughout entire sequence

• Floats are allowed only as part of a turn sequence and are limited to double

DIVISION 3 (Novice Pom)

The following skills may be performed:

• Turns: chaine turns, single pirouettes, single piques

• Basic split leap with a step or chasse as the prep

• Kicks and kicklines

• Leg holds

• All jumps (except turning C jumps)

• Illusions

• Any Intermediate or Advanced dance skills are prohibited such as multiple turns, leg hold turns, axels, tour jetes, and leaps other than listed above.

DIVISION 4 (Pom Game Day/Halftime)

The following skills may be performed:

• The routine must be in the style of pom, jazz, hip hop, kick or combination of any of these styles.

• The use of poms is permitted, but not required.

• See scoresheet for more information on criteria.

Scoresheets