CheerABILITIES
& DanceABILITIES

Where Exceptional Athletes Shine

Dancer in a wheelchair excited at her coach at a competition

About CheerABILITIES & DanceABILITIES

In the early 2000’s, competitions began to include teams and athletes with disabilities; CHEERSPORT was one of the first events to welcome exceptional athletes on stage. The Kentucky Elite Showcats took to the performance floor, and from then on, the division gained momentum and popularity. Today, we proudly offer a place for athletes with disabilities to succeed through our CheerABILITIES & DanceABILITIES divisions, encouraging inclusion and growth for all.

We are always looking for ways to better serve our exceptional athletes. This season, we are proud to announce three distinct divisions in order to ensure every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Exhibition, Novice, and Elite Divisions will each have specific rules to include teams from every ability level. Click each division below to find the place that is right for your team.

Exhibition Division

The Exhibition Division is free to register. Athletes/teams receive the standard gift or award that is associated with Exhibition performances. This division allows for helpers on the floor to assist with choreography, skills, and spotting.

Additional Rules for CheerABILITY EXHIBITION Teams:

Routines may not exceed 2:30 minute
Teams will not receive ordinal rankings or ratings for their performance
Tumbling skills are allowed up to and including Level 2
Teams (using CheerAbility athletes only for required positions) may execute building skills up to Level 2 Exception: Single leg stunts may not immediately pass through an extended position Exception: Tosses and log/barrel rolls are not allowed
If Coaches/Buddies/Assistants are fulfilling a required position (base, back spot, top person, etc.) the group may only do waist level stunts. Exception: T-lifts are allowed
Spotted and assisted tumbling is allowed
There is no limit to the number of assistants on the floor assisting in skills and they MAY be included in choreography of dance and formations.

Novice Division

The Novice Division is free to register. Athletes/teams receive the standard gift or award that is associated with Novice performances. In this division, teams will earn a rating: Outstanding, Excellent, or Superior.

Additional Rules for CheerABILITY NOVICE Teams:

Routines may not exceed 1:30 minute
Teams may receive ratings for their performance (ordinal rankings not allowed)
If offered at 2-day events, Novice divisions will perform ONE TIME ONLY
Cartwheels and forward rolls are the only allowable tumbling skills
Teams may execute Level 1 building skills
- Exceptions: 1. Single leg stunts are only allowed at waist level (Stunts C2-3 not allowed)
Two leg stunts may not immediately pass through an extended position
Up to a ¼ twist allowed (Stunts D2-4 not allowed)
Transitions TO prone position are not allowed
Straight pop down dismounts are not allowed
If Coaches/Buddies/Assistants are fulfilling a required position (base, back spot, top person, etc.) the group may only do waist level stunts. Exception: T-lifts are allowed
Spotted and assisted tumbling is NOT allowed
- Exception: Assistants may help an athlete up after a forward roll to get to their feet.
There is no limit to the number of assistants on the floor assisting in skills but they MAY NOT be included in choreography of dance and formations.

Elite Division

Athletes will receive a registration rate consistent with ‘Prep’ pricing in addition to 2 free spectator passes per athlete at check-in. Teams will compete once at a one day event and twice at a two day event. Athletes/Teams receive standard gift/award associated with competing in an ELITE division. Typical ranking system like all other competitive ELITE divisions, using the USASF CheerABILITIES scoresheets.

Additional Rules for CheerABILITY ELITE Teams:

Routines may not exceed 2:30 minute
Teams may receive ordinal rankings for their performance
Tumbling skills are allowed up to and including Level 2
Teams may execute building skills up to and including Level 2 Exception: Tosses are not allowed
Coach/Assistant(s) may not provide support to athletes while the athletes are performing building skills. Exception: Assistants may assist an athlete to the floor as a result of a fall or almost fall.
Spotted and assisted tumbling is not allowed. Exception: Assistants may help an athlete up after a forward roll to get to their feet.
Up to 3 Coaches/Assistants allowed to signal from the front of the mat and may not obstruct view of the judges. There is no limit to the number of assistants around the perimeter of the floor in a squat position or on the floor assisting wheelchairs and sight impaired athletes to their spots/positions on the floor.

Cheerleader with disability poses on the performance floor

Varsity All Star Fashion

Varsity All Star Fashion knows the importance of every athlete feeling their very best when they take the competition floor. Our knowledgeable all star specialists will work with you to select the style of garment that best fits the needs of your athletes. From multiple length options on tops, bottoms with elastic waistbands, and sublimated designs with limited seaming in the arms and body, you can be assured that athletes of all ages and all abilities will be comfortable, confident, and ready to shine.

LEARN MORE

"'CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES athletes deserve the same opportunities that other all star athletes have. There are so many life lessons that come along with competing that are irrefutable. The values of teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, working toward a goal and, of course, the lessons that come along with winning and losing – those are things we all need to experience.'" Justin CarrierVP of All Star Experience

CheerABILITIES Unlocks True Potential for All Star Athletes

Spirit brings people together. It’s not always something you can see or touch, but it has become something that changes lives and helps many realize their true potential.

From school spirit to the spirit of competition and teamwork, cheer and dance have unique ways of connecting people. In schools, The Sparkle Effect welcomes athletes with disabilities, encouraging inclusion and growth for all. In a similar spirit, the all star cheer and dance community has dedicated time and attention to cultivating teams with athletes of special talents in the CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES divisions.