Cheerleading Tournament Head of Delegation Information

Coach’s Meeting
Similar to last year, the coach’s meeting will be held Thursday, March 19, via webinar. More details are under the Competition Information and Coach’s Meeting section.

Music for Routines
All music for team and/or individual competition must be emailed to Al Ward by March 19 in MP3 format. This is so we can keep the event running smoothly, not have to worry about phones “locking” right before you need to hit play, etc. If you have issues with this, please contact Al via email and he will help direct you on how best to deliver your music. Please note, that during your team’s performance, one representative must be present in the DJ booth with Al in order to pay attention to time marks. Please also remember all music must adhere to the music regulations published in the SONC Cheerleading Manual.

Receiving Scoresheets
We have a new process in place for who gets what scoresheets and when. Be sure to check out a brief description under the Competition Information and Coach’s Meeting section of this page. This will also be described in more detail during the coach’s meeting.

Awards
We have a new process in place for when teams are awarded and when they need to report to the auditorium. Be sure to check out a brief description under the Competition Information and Coach’s Meeting section of this page. This will also be described in more detail during the coach’s meeting.

Davie County High School
180 War Eagle Drive
Mocksville, NC 27028

9:30 a.m.  Opening Ceremony in main gym
10:16 a.m.  Competition begins
2:00 p.m.  Awards ceremonies begin in Performing Arts Center

Medical Assistance

HODs should have copies of all athlete medical forms with them in case of an emergency or any other medical issue.  Medical volunteers will be onsite and available for athlete, coach, parent, or volunteer first aid needs.

Hotel Reminders/Facts:

• Housing confirmations will be sent out to the Heads of Delegation next week.
• All delegates should be respectful of others by remaining in their rooms after 11pm each evening.  Music and loud talking should not be heard outside the room from which it originates.
• All delegates should respect all facility property and regulations.  Theft or intentional damage of property will not be tolerated.

Due to the nature of this one-day event, two check-ins are required.

Check-in #1 (opens at 8:30 a.m.):

• Upon arrival to the venue, proceed to Head of Delegation check-in.
• Only the Head of Delegation or head coach should come to the check-in area to prevent congestion.
• Confirm possession of all athlete participation forms.
• Record scratches/no-show’s.
  • If the number of scratches places your team below the minimum number of athletes, your team will be able to perform, and will receive participation ribbons.
  • If the number of scratches places your team in the small category, or from Unified to traditional, your team will be placed in the most appropriate division, but your check-in, practice, and performance times will not change.
• Credentials will be provided for non-competing team members. Athletes and Unified partners will not receive credentials. They must wear their uniform in order to be allowed in the warm-up and other designated team areas.
• Confirm delegation numbers.
• Receive any other competition materials or updated information.
• Proceed to main gym for Opening Ceremony.

Check-in #2 (opens at 9:36 a.m.):

• Teams are required to check-in at the warm-up gym at their designated time as indicated on the schedule.
• All jewelry, etc. must be removed at this time.
• The schedule will be strictly adhered to, and a team missing their designated warm-up time and/or performance will not be allowed to work-in unless cleared by the competition manager and SONC staff.

SONC will provide lunch for delegations (registered athletes, coaches, chaperones, etc.).  Family members are not included in these meals.

Lunch will consist of ham & turkey sandwiches, chips, & fruit donated by Sheetz.

If you have requests for vegetarian or gluten-free meals, email those requests to Julianna Pratt, including the name(s) of the people needing the special lunches. A list of known dietary requests can be found here. All requests must be received by Friday, March 13 in order for arrangements to be made.

Please refer to the 2020 SONC Cheerleading Tournament performance schedule for check-in, warm-up and performance times.

The SONC cheerleading web page has all cheerleading sport information, including links to rules, scoresheets and the rubric.

Mandatory Coach’s Meeting –  This meeting will be held via webinar at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19. Please click here to register and receive login details for this meeting. Remember, at least one representative from each local program must attend this webinar and confirm attendance. Listening to the recording does count as attendance as long as the appropriate steps are taken.

Concussions: Medical volunteers at this tournament will remove an athlete from competition if there is any chance of a concussion.  The athlete will not able to return until a doctor has examined the athlete and given clearance.  As always, this has been put into place to ensure a safe competition for all athletes.  

Sportsmanship: It is very important that all coaches and athletes show great sportsmanship at all times. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and there will be a 25 point deduction for each infraction of poor sportsmanship by the athletes, Unified partners, coach, or associated spectators. Cheerleading is a wonderful sport promoting camaraderie and fun, and some people can be very passionate. It is important to remain calm and show good sportsmanship during these times. Team Captains are a great way to provide guidance and serve as an on field example of sportsmanship during games. 

Scoresheets: About 15 minutes after your team has competed, head coaches should visit the scoring table located to the left of the performance area (near the main entrance to the gym). Head coaches will have an opportunity to ask the head judge any questions about their scoring. A copy of the cheer and music scoresheets will also be available at that time.

Awards: We have a new process in place for when teams are awarded and when they need to report to the auditorium. Spectators and teams will stay in the gym until their division is called to staging.  Those who wish to be in the audience for awards should enter the auditorium through the entrance next to the Commons Area. Once the team has been awarded, they will exit out stage back right and can go back out to the commons are and then enter in through spectator seating. 

Cheerleading Competition Information – Please make sure your uniforms follow the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines. This is a one-day competition featuring both team and individual performances.

• There will be a total of five judges at this competition. Two judges will be judging the cheer portion of the routine, and two judges will be judging the music portion of the routine. The head judge will assess any deductions, and ensure the points are within the rubric scale. 
• Remember, if your division does not allow for a certain section (i.e. non-tumble) those categories simply won’t be judged. 
• After your team performs their routine, please exit upstage left (there will be a volunteer to guide you), and continue to the team routine viewing area. Teams will then be directed to either lunch or back into the gym to enjoy the rest of the performances.
• Please leave the chairs near the judges’ platform for “fan seating.” This way, spectators for the team have a front-row seat when their team performs. There will be helpful volunteers managing this section to answer any questions you may have.
• Only athletes and Unified partners are allowed on the floor during competition. Coaches are welcome to place athletes on the floor but must be out of the judges view before the routine begins. 

Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 21 @ 9:30 a.m.

Delegations should be seated in the main gym by 9:15 a.m.

Opening Ceremony is the time where your entire delegation is recognized for its hard work leading up to this event. Please make your group look sharp by tucking in shirts and tying shoes. The entire delegation should dress similarly. Please also make sure your programs’ attire is adhering to Section 5.08 of the Special Olympics General Rules for the Display of Commercial Messages at Games and Prohibition of the Display of National Flags as well as the SONC logo guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact your community resources director.

This resource information is shared for every Special Olympics North Carolina event:

Head of Delegation Responsibilities
Local Program Preparation Checklist
Mileage Chart
General Policies & Procedures
Competition Policies & Procedures
Sport Nutrition Tips
Event Services