2026 Nebraska State Cheer & Dance Championships
February 19-21, 2026 at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.
Varsity Spirit – UCA/NCA/UDA/NCA will continue to teach and educate coaches and teams regarding skills that are allowed by the NFHS at team camps and events in Nebraska.
Varsity Spirit will continue to assist the Nebraska Coaches Association in the operation of the annual Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships in February.
The Nebraska Coaches Association endorses and encourages coach and team education at Varsity Spirit UCA/NCA/UDA/NDA summer camps and at the Nebraska Coaches Association Multi-Sports Clinic July 22-23 in Lincoln.
There are no additions or changes to skill restrictions for the 2026 state championships per the Nebraska Coaches Association.
- Tier 2 and Tier 1 remain in place, with Tier 2 being the highest allowable levels in stunts and lifts.
- No in-person training is required moving forward, but head coaches must complete the online NFHS Cheer and Dance Safety Certification Course. (see below)
- This course is $85 and must be completed every four years by all head coaches at Tier 1, Tier 2 or not stunting or lifting at all.
- Tier 2 is the highest possible stunts or lifts allowed at the annual Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships.
- Tier 1 is the highest possible stunts and lifts at NSAA Sub-District, District and State events.
Head coaches should consult with their local school administrators to ensure coaches, parents, athletes, and school officials are all in agreement regarding what restrictions will be followed outside of the Nebraska Coaches Association administered Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships and the Nebraska School Activities Association Sub-District, District and State events.
The Nebraska Coaches Association has no authority to regulate stunts or lifts outside of the annual Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships.
2026 Championships Daily Schedules:
Class A & B Cheerleading & Unified Cheerleading – Thursday, February 19 (One ticket all day)
Class C1, C2 & D Cheerleading – Session 1, Friday, February 20 (One ticket all day)
Class C2 & D Dance – Session 2, Friday, February 20 (One ticket all day)
Class A, B Dance – Session 1, Saturday, February 21 (One ticket all day)
Class C1 Dance – Session 2, Saturday, February 21 (One ticket all day)
2026 Championship information:
- Team Registration open from November 17 to December 12 – Do not use a registration link from previous years!
- 2026 Cheer Handbook
- 2026 Dance Handbook
- NFHS Online Cheer and Dance Safety Course – $85 – good for 4 years (required for all head coaches)
- NFHS Online Coaching Unified Sports – FREE – good for 4 years (required for head coaches of Unified team entries)
- Educational Library of Skills that are Legal for the New Nebraska HS Cheerleading and Dance Team Rules
- Varsity Spirit Music Guidelines to be followed at Nebraska High School Championship
- NCA Cheer & Dance State Championship Weather Policy
- Heartland Events Center Clear Bag Policy (General Public)
- Preferred Performance Seating For Fans & Families to Watch Their Team Up Close & Return to General Admission Seats
2026 Judging Score Sheets:
Cheerleading
- Game Day Score Sheet
- Game Day Time & Safety Sheet
- Game Day Ques
- Traditional Non-Tumbling & Non Building Score Sheet
- Traditional Tumbling & Stunting Score Sheet
- Point Deduction Explanations
- Rules Violation Sheet for Cheer
- Unified Sideline Score Sheet – Coming Soon!
Dance
PLEASE NOTE: The Liability Release and Waiver Form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian of each competitor and alternate on each team’s roster.
- Download the Liability Release and Waiver
- Download the Rules, Music & Safety Course Acknowledgment Form
