The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has postponed the 2025–26 KHSAA State Competitive Cheer and Dance Championships because of widespread winter weather and travel concerns across the state.
According to KHSAA, snow and ice moved into the region overnight Thursday into Friday, with additional winter precipitation and extreme cold expected through the weekend. Officials said the forecasted conditions would limit snow and ice melt and create hazardous travel conditions for teams traveling to Winchester.
More than 100 cheer squads and nearly 70 dance teams were scheduled to compete at the state championships. Many of those programs rely on school buses and vans for transportation, and several school districts involved in the event have canceled classes, further complicating travel plans.
KHSAA said safety considerations for student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and families were central to the decision. Officials also noted that teams would be traveling from multiple parts of the state, including areas expected to experience more severe road conditions than those near the competition site.
The championships have been tentatively rescheduled for January 9–11, 2026, at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, the original host site. KHSAA said final confirmation of the revised dates and logistics is still underway.
Additional communication will be sent to qualifying schools early next week. That information will include any schedule adjustments and other logistical updates, allowing programs time to revise plans before most schools begin their holiday break.
The KHSAA State Competitive Cheer and Dance Championships are among the association’s largest postseason events, bringing together teams from across Kentucky after regional and sectional competition. The postponement marks a disruption to the championship schedule but allows teams to avoid traveling during hazardous winter conditions.
Cheer Daily will continue to provide updates as KHSAA releases additional information regarding the rescheduled championships.
