Rule 9.1.5 states that an opponent shall not disconcert the free thrower. Does this apply to the cheerleaders and/or mascot? I called a JV game recently where the cheerleaders had a routine when the opponent was shooting at the end they were cheering on. They weren't going wild, just clapping and stomping. Is that legal?

No, they can't disconcert. As long as they remain seated where they normally are, they're fine. I did once have a situation where they wanted to stand along the endline during an opponent's FT but we quickly put a stop to that.

One thing we have been told to guard against is the use of mechanical devices. For example cheerleaders are allowed to use megaphones to cheer but are not permitted to bang them against the floor or the bleachers to make noise.

I don't think they can even use megaphones in the conventional way in that situation. That new rule for 2001-2002(1-18) states that the playing of music/sound effects shall only be permitted during pre-game, time-outs, intermission and post game. The use of artificial noisemakers shall be prohibited. I think a megaphone would be considered an artificial noisemaker.

Artificial Noisemaker?
 

A megaphone can't make noise--it can only enhance noise from a real live noisemaker. I suppose you could check her to see if she was real or artificial--but in HS, I think most are real!!!

Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

I was at the mall today and saw a woman's short t-shirt
that said "Silicon free". Cute. Anyway, it seems to
me that a megaphone banging against wooden stands gets
pretty close to an artificial noise maker. Pretty close.

Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

True that the person is making the noise, but the megaphone is enhancing or amplifying the noise, artificially. This would hold true for a PA system. I wouldn't allow it.

Most of our cheerleaders stand on the end line. I dont think I can recall ever dealing with cheerleaders who disconcert. They know they have to stand to the sides of the paint. They know if they get unsporting we can move them to the 65th row

Re: Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

The NFHS issued an interpretation / clarification that the use (normal use) of megaphones by cheerleaders is allowed.

Re: Re: Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

daves,

Bob is correct. It is legal to use them for their prescribed purpose. But, as I said, once they start banging them on the floor or the bleachers, they have to go.

Tony

As to whether they can disconcert, or should be treated like a fan - think of it this way. Since they are official representatives of the team and are allowed special priviliges not allowed to fans, they must be treated differently than fans. If they want to be treated like a fan on this or any other subject, then they must subject themselves to the same restrictions as the fans, i.e.: can't come on the floor, can't pace the sidelines, etc.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

Can you give me the case book reference or the interpretation of that? I haven't seen it.

Artificial Noisemaker?
 

The rule is 1-18.

The playing of music/sound effects shall only be permitted during pre-game, time-outs, intermission and post-game. The use of artificial noisemakers shall be prohibited.

From the NFHS website
The prohibition against artificial noisemakers, including but not limited to, megaphones, cowbells, sirens, 'clackers', cans with marbles or rocks inside, and varied other creative, albeit cacophonic, devices provides additional rules support for an increasingly serious problem.

From the NFHS Interpretations web page
SITUATION #6: The school sponsored cheerleaders wish to use megaphones as part of their cheerleading routines from the sidelines.
RULING: The new rule prohibiting artificial noisemakers would not apply to the cheerleaders in this situation. The megaphones would only be legal for the cheerleader’s use, provided they were being used appropriately. (1-18)

I hope that clears it up.

Re: Artificial Noisemaker?
 

Thanks for the interpretation. I read this as meaning the cheerleaders can use megaphones as part of their normal cheerleading routines from the sidelines during a time out or similar situation. I would not interpret as meaning the cheerleaders can use them to disconcert during a free throw situation as im my opinion it would not be using them appropriately. Just my opinion.

Cheerleaders can't disconcert by using a megaphone to cheer during a FT. Please don't call that.

Speaking of cheerleaders. They are the most annoying things alive, always in the way. Last night in a fairly tight gym, about four feet from end line to padded wall on one end, they would not get out of the way even on throw-ins. I was nice for a quarter or so, then went during time-out and told them to either stay out of the way or cheer from the hallway. Still ended up having trouble with them, so I started stepping back on their toes and standing on them for a few seconds.