BYLAWS

Article I — Name & Purpose

The organization shall be known as the National Deaf Cheer Competition (NDCC).

The NDCC is an annual invitational cheerleading competition open to Deaf schools and programs across North America. Its purpose is to:

• Provide additional competitive opportunities for Deaf cheerleaders throughout the season
• Recognize cheerleading as a legitimate athletic and artistic discipline within the Deaf community
• Support smaller schools in gaining access to national-level competition
• Complement — and never replace — existing Deaf cheer events such as Clerc Classic

Article II — Membership & Eligibility

School Eligibility: All Deaf schools, schools for the Deaf, and mainstreamed programs with Deaf cheerleaders across the United States and Canada are eligible to participate.

Athlete Eligibility: Competing cheerleaders must:

• Be enrolled in a participating school or program
• Have a documented hearing loss or be a child of Deaf adults (CODA), subject to organizer review
• Meet any age requirements specified for their division
• Not be under suspension or disqualification from any recognized Deaf sports organization

Coach Eligibility: Coaches must be official staff or recognized volunteers of the participating school or program.

Article III — Competition Divisions

NDCC currently operates two competitive divisions:

Division placement is determined by NDCC organizers based on roster size, experience level, and organizer discretion. Teams may appeal division placement prior to the registration deadline.

Article IV — Team Requirements

• Roster Size: Teams must consist of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 competing athletes unless otherwise specified by NDCC organizers for a given year.
• Uniforms: Teams must compete in official school colors and uniforms. Uniforms must be appropriate and in good condition.
• Music: All music used in performances must be submitted to NDCC organizers by the stated deadline. Music must not contain explicit language.
• Props & Equipment: Any props, signs, or equipment must be approved in advance. No sharp or hazardous objects are permitted.
• Substitutions: Roster substitutions must be submitted to organizers no later than 48 hours before the competition date.

Article V — Registration & Entry

All teams must register through the official NDCC registration process. Registration includes:

• Completed team registration form with full roster
• Payment of the applicable registration fee
• Signed participation and liability waiver
• Agreement to NDCC bylaws and code of conduct

Deadline: Registration deadlines are published each year alongside competition announcements. Late registrations may be accepted at organizer discretion subject to availability.

Article VI — Judging & Scoring

Performances are evaluated by a panel of qualified judges on the following criteria:

All judging decisions are final. Score sheets are available to coaches upon written request after the event concludes.

Article VII — Conduct & Sportsmanship

All participants — athletes, coaches, and spectators — are expected to uphold the values of the Deaf community and compete with respect and integrity.

The following behaviors may result in point deductions, disqualification, or removal from the venue:

• Disrespectful conduct toward judges, officials, other teams, or spectators
• Use of prohibited substances
• Intentional interference with another team's performance
• Failure to follow organizer instructions

Article VIII — Media & Broadcasting

NDCC partners with WGE Sports, a division of WarriorsGate Entertainment, Inc., for all official live streaming, replay, and media production.

By registering and participating in NDCC, teams and athletes grant NDCC and WGE Sports the right to photograph, film, and broadcast their performances for official event coverage, promotional materials, and streaming distribution via WGE+.

Teams or individuals wishing to opt out of media coverage must notify NDCC organizers in writing prior to the registration deadline.