Uniform

• Participants shall wear apparel (uniform, costume, shoes, etc.) that is appropriate for the activity involved. Uniforms should be properly fitted to each participant and must cover the midriff when arms are raised; therefore, appropriate undergarments should be worn at all times. (i.e., improper/revealing uniform fit/coverage; fringe would not count as a cover, bikini briefs, lack of under-garments, extreme length of skirt, etc. would be considered a level offense).

• Coaches should not permit loose, slick, baggy clothes, nylon hose/tights, which are not appropriate for stunting squads. Sequin letters on a uniform must be securely placed on the uniform. They must be used as the squad letters (i.e. TYFA) or striping by all squad members and not used as a prop in competitions.

• Fitting Uniform – Rule of thumb:

  • Tops must cover mid-section, have cheerleader raise both arms above their head. Top must still be covering the mid-section; covered midriff does include flesh or nude colored body suits and liners.

  • Skirts must be at or lower than the middle fingertip Place both arms by your sides to measure.

• Recommended Cheer Uniform consists of SHELL, SKIRT, BRIEFS, and SOCKS. Optional additional items: CROP TOP, HAIR BOW, ATHLETIC SHOES, POMS, CHEER BAG, MEGAPHONE, PRACTICE WEAR, and WARM UP SET. 

• Recommended Dance Uniform consists of GROOVE SHORTS, CAPRI PANT, ANKLE TIGHT, JAZZ PANT, SKIRTS, DANCE TOPS AND DANCE FOOTWEAR. 

Jewelry

• Jewelry of any kind including but not limited to ear, nose, tongue, belly button and facial rings, clear plastic jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, and pins on uniforms are prohibited during practices, games, or competitions. Jewelry must be removed and may not be taped over. All are illegal. (Exception: medical ID tags/bracelets, and uniform rhinestones. Non-Adhesive rhinestones are illegal. (ex.: craft rhinestones put on with glue).

Nails

Fingernails, including artificial nails, shall be kept at a length appropriate for safe participation. The appropriate length for all members of a stunting squad means the nails are not visible beyond the fingertips when viewed from the palm side of the hands. Further note: Nail polish is prohibited at games and competitions. 

Mouth

Participants are not permitted to chew gum, cough drops, or have candy in their mouths during practices and performances.

Footwear

• Appropriate cheer tennis shoes required for competition or there will be a deduction. Soft-soled shoes must be worn while competing. No dance shoes/boots, and/or gymnastics slippers (or similar) allowed. Shoes must have a solid sole. If you can roll it up and put it in your pocket, it’s illegal. Exception: Dance squads.

• Ornaments or decorations on their shoes/sneakers that would hinder the safety of a stunting squad (i.e., yarn pom-poms, ribbons/bows, bells, etc.) are prohibited.  Exception: Tinies.

• Appropriate Dance squad footwear would be soled shoes (jazz boots, dance sandals, jazz shoes, and cheer shoes). Wearing socks and/or footed tights only is prohibited.

Hair

Hair must be pulled back and away from the face. Hair Beads are permitted. Bobby Pins are allowed but must be secured. **Safety issue** / Dance squads may have accessories like feathers, hats etc.

Eyes

Eyeglasses must be worn in a manner to ensure safety while performing (i.e., Eyeglasses shall be secured to the head and under the hair with a sport band). This is one example on how to secure eyeglasses. The main concern is for the head coach to make sure that the eyeglasses are secured. Note: Eye glass bands must not be knotted or have beads on it.

Makeup

• No spray glitter allowed inside any venue.

• Makeup/Shim¬mer to hair, face, body, costume and uniform is permitted.

• Temporary tattoos, face paint, and glitter hair spray are permitted. Participants must cover any permanent visible body art/body tat¬toos (i.e., Band-Aid). It is the responsibility of the Cheer Director to advise the participants on appropriate uses of makeup for all squads.

• Only the specialized cheer makeup should be used, and it should be used with discretion. All participants’ makeup and hair must be done prior to arrival at the cheer competition.  Touchups may be done after practice before the squad’s performance.

Administrative Waiver

• Requests for exceptions to the Dress Code Policy (Administrative Waivers) MUST be submitted by the organization using the Administrative Waiver Form or they will not be reviewed.  This request must be sent in by one of the organization’s approved (Board Level) points of contact prior to the event. If this waiver is granted it will be posted in Announcements of all portals such as volunteer.tyfa.com

Cold Weather Attire

• TYFA understands that during the cold weather months additional clothing must be worn to stay warm. Athletes are permitted to wear jackets, pullovers, and sweatshirts but they still must adhere to the TYFA recognized team color scheme or the approved neutral colors. Cold weather undergarments must be hidden or must be in the team color scheme or the approved neutral colors. In addition, these garments, if logoed, must be sport appropriate. No waiver is required.

• TYFA’s overall message is that we are concerned about all cancers and would like to bring more education and awareness to this disease which affects so many lives, both young and old. 

• Throughout the year, any month, both spring and fall, athletes and volunteers will be allowed to wear the appropriate color of recognition to show their support for the cause they feel most closely associated with.

• Recognition must be tasteful. So, in the spirit of tastefulness, TYFA will allow only the following accessories to be worn by athletes and volunteers. These items may be in the color of the cause you wish to support:

  • • Bows

    • Gloves

    • Headbands

    • Poms

    • Recognition Stickers

    • Shoelaces

    • Socks

    • Wristbands

• Tops and bottoms must remain in the team color scheme during the spring and fall season.

• Because support is limited to just the accessories listed above, a team may recognize more than one cancer simultaneously if it is done tastefully.

• Organizations should refer to established cancer awareness color guidelines for specific types of cancer. 

  • • Click HERE (Cancer Calendar) / Click HERE (Cancer Colors)

• Organizations may put things such as numbers, names or images on their tops or bottoms to support the death of an athlete, volunteer, or parent at any time of the year, any month, both spring and fall.  Recognition must be tasteful and if on a jersey, must not interfere with the number. Tops and bottoms must remain in the team color scheme during the spring and fall season.

• In the spirit of tastefulness, TYFA will allow only the following accessories to be worn by athletes and volunteers for this type of support. These items may be in the color of an organization’s choosing:

  • • Bows

    • Gloves

    • Headbands

    • Poms

    • Recognition Stickers

    • Shoelaces

    • Socks

    • Wristbands