USASF Releases 2025-26 Age Grid & Rule Updates for All Star Cheer & Dance

The United States All Star Federation (USASF) has released the early age grid and rule updates for the 2025-26 All Star Cheer and Dance season. While there are minimal rule changes, the organization has introduced new flex divisions to expand participation opportunities.

Key Updates for All Star Cheer

CheerABILITIES Unified Division Consolidation:
- Youth, Junior, and Open Unified divisions are now combined into a single division for athletes 12 and older, aligning with IASF Adaptive Abilities guidelines.
Introduction of Provisional Elite Tier Divisions:
- Junior Flex (Levels 1-4) and Youth Flex (Levels 1-3) allow greater flexibility for teams in smaller communities or new programs.
- These divisions will be evaluated at the end of the season to determine long-term viability.
Athletic Performance Standards Updates:
- Choreography rules now prohibit references to gun violence.
- The definition of a prop has been standardized, and pre-approval for props is no longer required.
- CheerABILITIES stunts are now limited to prep level in Exhibition and Unified divisions.
- Clarifications were made to Level 6 standing tumbling, specifically defining “consecutive” for B2a skills.

CHEER

*Early Release – Age Grid for the 2025-2026 Season – updated 2.13.2025

*Early Release – Cheer Rules for the 2025-2026 Season – updated 2.13.2025

DANCE

*Early Release – Age Grid for the 2025-2026 Season – updated 2.13.2025

*Early Release – Dance Rules for the 2025-2026 Season – updated 2.13.2025

Notable Changes for All Star Dance

Updated Tier Classifications: Now designated as Novice, Intermediate, and Premier.
Costuming Requirements: New guidelines introduced for dancers registered as male.
Terminology Adjustments: The term “release” has been replaced with “loss of contact” throughout the rules for clarity.
Skill Limitations:
- Junior/Senior Prep rules specify that only one aerial cartwheel is allowed.
- Illusion turns are now prohibited in Tiny/Mini Prep divisions.

The early release of these updates allows teams and coaches to prepare for the upcoming season. While no further changes are anticipated, USASF retains the right to adjust rules as needed.