Cheerleaders
 

One of many frustrations with last night's middle school games concerned rules about cheerleaders, bands, music, etc.

My partner's position was that music (by speakers or pep band) could not be played at any time except pre-game, time between quarters, intermission, and postgame. I.e., nothing during any timeouts. She insisted that she was right, and that had been the rule since 2002. The cheerleading coordinator was upset because they had planned to do a lot more and had checked the rules last week.

So after the games, we pull out my rulebooks. 1-18 says that music, etc. can only be played during pregame, period between quarters, intermission, postgame and time-outs. It does not mention cheerleaders, right? So not only does my partner insist that she's still right that cheerleaders may not come on the floor at any time during the game, but that music may only be played during a full timeout. Which is also not in the rule.

Is there something obvious I am missing?

No, your partner has a problem with cheerleaders. If showing her the rule doesn't work, there's nothing you can do.

I don't have my books with me (stupid work - insert Homer Simpson image here). I thought I remember something current about 30 sec timeouts.... However, some of our esteemed Forum Members have previously discussed this and while possibly not current, they said:

Nevada once posted: “NFHS 2001-2002 Rules Book page 72 Comments on the Rules Revisions Under the requirement to stand during a 30-second time-out there is the sentence: "Additional discussion reflected concerns about some states not enforcing the 'no cheerleaders' on the floor during a 30-second time-out and whether or not substitutes should be permitted to join the conference with coach(es) and players."

BktBallRef also wrote previously “ I wish the NFHS would add this rule to the Basketball Rules Book, so that it could be better enforced. The NCHSAA has added the following to the state Handbook: CHEERLEADERS: Cheerleaders must remain seated during all live balls, which includes after the free throw shooter is handed the ball. Cheerleaders may not come onto the floor during 30-second timeouts.

Anything more current out there?

I'm sorry to take the emphasis off the cheerleader question, but what you've stated above is not quite right. Music is only allowed pre-game, during intermissions and during time-outs. Artificial noisemakers are never permitted.

My mistake on the noisemakers. Although, my partner also considered the band to be "artificial noisemakers" so there's that little piece too.

The band is obviously considered to be music, not artificial noise. So your partner was 0-for-everything on that call.

No more rhyming! I mean it!!

Anybody want a peanut?

Cheerleaders Can Be Entertaining ...
 

NFHS 5-11-2: A single 30-second charged time-out shall not exceed 30 seconds. A warning signal for teams to prepare to be ready to resume play is sounded at 20 seconds. No on-court entertainment should occur during this time.

NFHS 1-18-1: The playing of music/sound effects shall only be permitted during pregame, time-outs, intermission and post-game. The use of artificial noisemakers shall be prohibited.

Love That Hawaii 50 Theme ...
 

and post-game. While you Bay State officials watch the post game handshake, you can enjoy listening to the band playing "Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey-ey, Goodbye".

Meanwhile, here in the Constitution State, at the same time you're watching a bunch of kids who don't want to shake hands, shake hands, we'll be showering, and getting ready to either go home, or to go out and get some adult beverages, and we'll be singing "Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey-ey, We're Out Of Here".

Thanks, Billy. 5-11 was the one we couldn't find last night.

There's Always A First Time ...
 

You're welcome. 1-18-1 was hard to find. I don't think I've ever looked through Rule 1 for a citation before.