Cheerleading FAQ
Q. Where can I find a schedule of the basketball games?
A. Please see the Schedules List for current Basketball game dates and times and any upcoming events for your league.

Q. Where do I get the CYO rules?
A. Please have a look at the Official Rules section of our site where you will find the current NHCYO rule book.

Q. Where do I get a copy of the most recent National Federation Rule Book for Spirit?
A. All head coaches of parish teams can receive the most current National Federation Spirit Rules from their Deanery Director at Roster check.
All catholic school teams can request a copy of this book by sending an email to Lee Rivard at Lrivard@nhcyo.org. Additional Spirit Rule books can be purchased from the National Federation of High School Sports.

Q. What rules do CYO cheerleading teams follow?
A. Cheerleading teams follow both the most current CYO rules and the National Federation Spirit rules. When attending invitational tournaments make sure to ask the director for a list of tournament specific rules (they may be more strict; however, may not be less restrictive)

Q. Do the CYO and National Federation Spirit rules only apply to tournaments?
A. NO! These rules apply to every practice, game and tournament!
It is the coaches responsibility to make sure that all rules are adhered to at ALL events!

Q. What if a cheerleader just had her ears (belly, etc.) pierced?
A. Since all of the Spirit rules apply to every event , jewelry is NOT allowed to be worn at any event (this includes practices, games, and tournaments). She must remove all jewelry and may not place a spacer in the new or existing hole(s).

Q. What is jewelry?
A. Jewelry is any object worn on the wrist or ankle; around the neck, finger or toe; in the ears or naval or through the skin or nails. Hair bands worn on the wrist are considered jewelry.

Q. How do I become a certified judge?
A. Judges are invited to attend clinics and training sessions sponsored through the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association. Judges training takes place in the summer for the upcoming school year. More information can be obtained by linking to the NHIAA's website..

Q. Can a CYO Cheerleading team enter competitions other than the Diocese sponsored tournaments?
A. Yes, with the approval of your parish and/or athletic director.

Q. How do coaches find out about other tournaments?
A. The NHIAA sanctions cheering tournaments hosted by high schools. Many times these sanctioned events offer a grade school/middle school division as well. You can contact each individual school's athletic director/cheerleading coach to get tournament specific information.
Tournaments are usually offered in November and February.

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions on rules and their interpretations?
A. Cheer specific rules can be addressed to Lee Rivard.
Deanery specific rules can be addressed to Deanery Director Rod Carrier.  League specific rules can be addressed to your league president.

Q. When is the CYO State Cheerleading Tournament?
A. The date and location for the State Cheering tourney is currently being secured. As soon as the date and location have been confirmed the information will be posted to this web site.

Q. When is the "City"/ Deanery Cheerleading Tournament?
A. This event is not sponsored by the State CYO Athletic Board, it is a fundraiser for the Nashua Deanery. Specific information should be obtained through John Hurley.

Q. If I have a specific question on a stunt I would like to have my team perform who can I contact?
A. You can contact Lee at Lrivard@nhcyo.org. You can also contact the NHIAA's rule interpreter for Spirit through the NHIAA's website.