2023 South Dakota Changes, Clarifications & Reminders
- Uniform must cover midriff and anything below bra line while standing at attention before dance starts. Body tights cannot be a substitute for the sheer material. If wearing sheer material across the front of the midriff, there must be two layers, one of which is not a nude color. A nude leotard may be used to cover areas below the bra line on the back of the midriff. Wearing tights and a leotard provides modesty, support, helps with fast uniform changes, and ensures the uniform presents a continuous line and will cover the midriff. The front of the midriff and the back of the midriff are divided by the arms when the arms are directly by the dancer’s side.
- Reduce the penalty for an illegal dance move on the safety scoresheet from 10 points to one point.
- Safety Scoresheet adjustments for Improper Uniform/Jewelry deductions will now be a one point deduction instead of five points per occurrence for uniforms.
- The following tumbling skills will be allowed: cartwheels, round offs, aerials (front and side with bent or straight legs), front and back handsprings as long as the feet or hands land first. Any flipping movement that takes off or lands on two feet are illegal with the exception of round offs and front/back handsprings. Front and back tucks are illegal. Tumbling passes that connect different or same skills remain illegal.
- Kick category was eliminated in 2021-22 school year.
- Limit the number of dance routines to any two styles of routines for all competitions. The two routine scores will be averaged to determine the Grand Champion for Dance. Pom does not have to be one of the routines performed.
- Bases of a t-lift may walk only. Must have two bases for each person lifted.
- Inquiry Process: Upon completion of each routine, the safety judge will meet with a designated coach in front of the judges table to inform coach of any safety violations. A brief explanation will be shared with the coach. If the conference becomes confrontational, an unsporting deduction may be assessed.
South Dakota Modifications to NFHS Rules
- No glitter hairspray is allowed.
- Head judge will be designated for both cheer and dance. Judges scores from low to high shall be no more than 10 points.
