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2007-08 Spirit Rules Changes 2-1-4 (New): When discarding props (signs, etc.) that are made of solid material, or have corners or sharp edges, team members must gently toss or place the props. RATIONALE: This rule was written to avoid injury of a team member, spectator, or official. 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. RATIONALE: These devices are by definition "height-increasing apparatuses" and should not be used for anything other than a teaching tool. (See Points of Emphasis) 2-5-2: ( New) Bases of extended stunts must have both feet in direct weight-bearing contact with the performing surface. RATIONALE: Adding this restriction will help ensure the stability of extended stunts. Under the current rule, both bases of a liberty could legally perform one-leg stunts (ex. Heel stretch), causing greatly increased risk to the flyer. 2-8-3 (Exceptions 1 and 2 New): In braced partner stunts/pyramids, at least one bracer of each pair must be at shoulder height or below. Exception 1: The following extended stunts may brace any other extended stunt: a. Chair b. Multi-base deadman lift c. Multi-base straddle lift Exception 2: Extensions may brace the stunts listed above and other extensions (except a totem pole.) RATIONALE: Exception 1: As the variety of partner stunts and transitions increases, the role of the bracer must keep pace. Allowing these relatively stable extended stunts to brace an expanded number of extended stunts does not present unreasonable risk to participants. Exception 2: Extensions have a higher center of gravity than the stunts listed in Exception 1, and should not brace extended stunts that are less stable. 2-9-1 (c): New A forward suspended roll is legal provided all the following conditions are met: a. It begins from a stunt shoulder height or below. b. In multi-base stunts, the flyer maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with two bases/posts. c. In single base stunts, the flyer maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with two posts. d. The bases control the flyer's dismount to the performing surface or cradle. RATIONALE: In (c), Allowing a single base to also assist the flyer's dismount can cause a twisting rotation and an unsteady landing on the performing surface. 2-10-1 (e): New In all tosses: a. The flyer must be directed vertically and be caught by the original bases. b. Participants must not pass over or under other participants c. The catchers and spotter must remain in their original positions unless making adjustments for safety purposes. d. The flyer must not become inverted (head below waist) e. The flyer must not hold objects in her/his hands (i.e. poms, signs, etc.) Exception: Load-in tosses. (previously called "tosses into partner stunts" or "toss to hands, etc.") RATIONALE: In (e), holding objects during a toss presents considerable risk to all participants, especially if safety adjustments become necessary. The exception for load-in tosses (previously known as "tosses into partner stunts: or "toss to hands") was added because the loss of contact in that type of toss is not high enough to present unreasonable risk to participants.

2007-08 Spirit Rules Changes

2-1-4 (New): When discarding props (signs, etc.) that are made of solid material, or have corners or sharp edges, team members must gently toss or place the props.

RATIONALE: This rule was written to avoid injury of a team member, spectator, or official.

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.

RATIONALE: These devices are by definition "height-increasing apparatuses" and should not be used for anything other than a teaching tool. (See Points of Emphasis)

2-5-2: ( New) Bases of extended stunts must have both feet in direct weight-bearing contact with the performing surface.

RATIONALE: Adding this restriction will help ensure the stability of extended stunts. Under the current rule, both bases of a liberty could legally perform one-leg stunts (ex. Heel stretch), causing greatly increased risk to the flyer.

2-8-3 (Exceptions 1 and 2 New): In braced partner stunts/pyramids, at least one bracer of each pair must be at shoulder height or below.

Exception 1: The following extended stunts may brace any other extended stunt:

a. Chair

b. Multi-base deadman lift

c. Multi-base straddle lift

Exception 2: Extensions may brace the stunts listed above and other extensions (except a totem pole.)

RATIONALE: Exception 1: As the variety of partner stunts and transitions increases, the role of the bracer must keep pace. Allowing these relatively stable extended stunts to brace an expanded number of extended stunts does not present unreasonable risk to participants. Exception 2: Extensions have a higher center of gravity than the stunts listed in Exception 1, and should not brace extended stunts that are less stable.

2-9-1 (c): New A forward suspended roll is legal provided all the following conditions are met:

a. It begins from a stunt shoulder height or below.

b. In multi-base stunts, the flyer maintains continuous

hand-to-hand/arm contact with two bases/posts.

c. In single base stunts, the flyer maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with two posts.

d. The bases control the flyer's dismount to the performing surface or cradle.

RATIONALE: In (c), Allowing a single base to also assist the flyer's dismount can cause a twisting rotation and an unsteady landing on the performing surface.

2-10-1 (e): New In all tosses:

a. The flyer must be directed vertically and be caught by the original bases.

b. Participants must not pass over or under other participants

c. The catchers and spotter must remain in their original positions unless making adjustments for safety purposes.

d. The flyer must not become inverted (head below waist)

e. The flyer must not hold objects in her/his hands (i.e. poms, signs, etc.) Exception: Load-in tosses. (previously called "tosses into partner stunts" or "toss to hands, etc.")

RATIONALE: In (e), holding objects during a toss presents considerable risk to all participants, especially if safety adjustments become necessary. The exception for load-in tosses (previously known as "tosses into partner stunts: or "toss to hands") was added because the loss of contact in that type of toss is not high enough to present unreasonable risk to participants.