The U.S. All Star Federation released its update for the 2026–2027 season, confirming there will be no changes to the cheer rules or the cheer age grid.

The announcement follows a review process that included surveys and meetings with more than 2,000 members who provided feedback on potential updates for the upcoming season.

According to USASF, the structure of the cheer age grid will remain the same as the 2025–2026 season. Birth years will move forward by one year to reflect the progression of time, but the top and bottom age limits for each division will stay consistent.

The unchanged age grid applies across all divisions, including Flex and Non-Tumbling.

“We understand that opinions may vary across the industry. In a sport as passionate as All Star Cheer and Dance, solutions rarely feel perfect to everyone,” said Dana Fielding, USASF Executive Director of Rules, Scoring and Education. “However, the decisions were made following careful analysis of survey data, direct member input, and consideration of the broader industry impact.”

USASF stated the release is considered an early update. While additional changes are not expected, the organization noted it reserves the right to make updates if needed before the season begins.

Event Producers May Apply Additional Restrictions

USASF also reminded members that event producers may choose to operate with more restrictive division offerings than the official age grid allows.

Competition companies may determine which divisions they will host at their events. In some cases, certain age groups or levels may not be offered.

USASF encouraged programs to allow time for event producers and member organizations to confirm their division offerings and any additional participation restrictions for the 2026–2027 season.

Dance Updates for the 2026–2027 Season

While cheer rules will remain unchanged, USASF announced two updates affecting dance divisions.

The maximum routine time for Intermediate and Premier tier dance divisions will decrease from two minutes and fifteen seconds to two minutes.

USASF also introduced a new Groups and Pairs safety rule regarding inverted movement.

In the Premier division, an executing dancer may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum if their hips originate above head level, meaning the head cannot point toward the performance surface during descent. An exception applies when the dancer begins completely parallel to the performance surface.

For Intermediate Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions, executing dancers may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum.

The organization also confirmed that Senior Kick at The Dance Worlds will mirror the USASF age grid and allow both male and female athletes to compete in a combined division.

Proposals Open for 2027–2028

USASF also announced that the proposal process for potential rule and age grid changes for the 2027–2028 season is now open.

Members may submit proposals for both cheer and dance divisions as part of the organization’s annual review cycle.

USASF stated it welcomes continued feedback and discussion from members regarding the decisions included in the early release.