cheerleaders

[PG_Ref]

Actually, the NFHS does prohibit cheerleaders from distracting (disconcerting) an opponent while shooting free throws. Most officials are unaware because it falls under the "spirit team" rules. Most places don't enforce it. Another area that we as officials have to be the experts on.

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by PG_Ref

Actually, the NFHS does prohibit cheerleaders from distracting (disconcerting) an opponent while shooting free throws. Most officials are unaware because it falls under the "spirit team" rules. Most places don't enforce it. Another area that we as officials have to be the experts on.

News to me...rule citation please? Nowhere in MY rule book does the term "spirit team" appear, thus neither I, nor my partners have any expertise of cheerleader behavior (nor do I want any).

Personally, it sounds like a case of OOO to be concerned what the cheerleaders are doing. I'm more worried about getting the calls correct for the 10 guys in basketball uniforms on the floor. The ones in the short skirts are somebody elses worry AFAIC.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by PG_Ref

Actually, the NFHS does prohibit cheerleaders from distracting (disconcerting) an opponent while shooting free throws. Most officials are unaware because it falls under the "spirit team" rules. Most places don't enforce it. Another area that we as officials have to be the experts on.

If it is under the "spirit team" rules, then we don't care. We only enforce basketball rules.

[icallfouls]

Originally Posted by SAK

Had the following, a roudy croud complaining that the home team cheerleaders were cheering during the visiting teams free throws. I dont believe that there are any specific rules about cheerleaders not being allowed to cheer at any time, but could it be considered disconcertion by anyone?

Get into your rulebook

[APG]

I don't think I'll be ever concerned about what's in the NFHS cheerleading rule book. I'm a basketball official.

[BillyMac]

Boys varsity game tonight. First half. Home cheerleaders were standing in two rows behind the endline and were swishing their pom poms (not cheering) during opponents free throws. I thought to my self, "That's kind of like a thread on the Forum". Second half. They were doing the same thing while their own players were shooting free throws. Unsporting? I think not.