What is Traditional Rec?

Traditional Rec provides an opportunity for teams with a more traditional sideline format to compete on a foam floor and follow USA Cheer/NFHS Rules.  Varsity Spirit Legacy Brands (NCA, UCA, & USA) will offer a variety of divisions to include but not limited to; Traditional (affiliated and non-affiliated), Game Day (affiliated only) and more.  Score sheets and guidelines are specific to each brand, so teams have an opportunity to compete with the brand that best fits the athletes’ level of skills and the team’s choreography style. The Traditional Rec divisions offer both affiliated and non-affiliated rec programs a chance to develop their technical skills and crowd engagement through competition routines.

More information about Traditional Rec is coming soon! Looking for a more performance based competition offering? Click the button below to learn about our Performance Rec events.

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Overview

What to Expect in Traditional Rec

  • Traditional Rec teams compete at our Legacy Brand Events (UCA, NCA & USA)
  • Teams will follow NFHS Skill rules and require a USA Cheer Membership
  • Divisions will include Traditional, Exhibition & CheerAbilities
  • Maximum Routine Time is 2:30 with Maximum Music Time being 1:45. These routines will include a Crowd Leading Section

 

Open Rec – Traditional Routine 

  • Traditional routine divisions consist of a music section for teams to showcase stunts, tumbling, jumps, and choreography, as well as a cheer section focused on crowd engagement.
  • The routine total time is 2:30 with a maximum music time of 1:45. 
  • Score sheets and guidelines are specific to each brand, so teams have an opportunity to compete with the brand that best fits the athletes’ level of skills and the team’s choreography style.

Open Rec – Game Day Routine

  • The Game Day division is a chance for teams to bring what they do on a sideline to the competition floor.
  • The game day routine is 3-minutes and includes a band chant, crowd leading section, and fight song.
  • Score sheets and guidelines are specific to each brand, so teams have an opportunity to compete with the brand that best fits the athletes’ level of skills and the team’s choreography style.

Divisions & Brand Guidelines

Required Forms

Championship Events

All Traditional Recreational teams attending a Varsity Spirit event are eligible to qualify for the Championship events below. Please note some of these events require credentialing and a bid to attend.

Performance Recreational teams are not eligible for UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, NCA High School National Championships or USA Jr. Spirit Nationals.  Performance Rec teams are eligible to qualify for the following End- of-Season events: The Quest, The Recreational Summit and The U.S. Finals.

News

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The 2025-2026 Competition Season Is Almost Here! Whether you’re a seasoned coach or a first-time registrant, early preparation is the key to securing your spots and enjoying a seamless experience. Here’s everything you need to know to get ahead of the game. Registration opens on August 13th!  ✅ Pre-Registration To-Do List Plan Your Competition Season […]

Jul. 21, 2025

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