Scores from cheerleading competitions are often shared on social media, including deductions.
Some of these terms can be confusing and lead to misunderstandings, so we explain the most commonly used ones here!
Note: the number of deducted points may vary based on the event, organization, or country. For example, a building bobble may only affect the execution score, not deduct points. However, the meaning of these terms is more or less the same.
What do the deductions mean?
AB = athlete bobble
An athlete bobble is when one individual athlete puts their hand or a knee down during an individual skill. It can also occur when an athlete performs an uncontrolled landing of a skill, or an incomplete twist while tumbling.
AF = athlete fall
This is when one individual athlete falls to the performance surface (mat) during an individual skill. For example, an athlete may fall on the mat after a tumbling pass or skill.
Other examples include putting both hands or knees down in tumbling, jumps or other individual skills. The athlete could also fall on its back, head, or bottom during a skill, which would count as an athlete fall.
OOB = out of bounds
When an athlete lands outside the performance surface (mat) with at least a hand, foot or other body part.
BB = building bobble
A “bobble” is when a stunt or basket toss almost drops or falls, but is saved. This includes flyers having trouble balancing, extended stunts dropping to a lower level, and dismount mistakes.
BF = building fall
When a stunt or stunt transition falls and isn’t saved by the stunt group. For example, dropping the flyer from a stunt to a cradle or load in position is a building fall.
Another example is when a base or spotter falls to the performance surface during a stunt.
MAJOR BF = major building fall
A major building fall is when a building fall drops to the performance surface. This happens when a flyer is dropped on the mat, multiple bases and spotters fall on the mat during a stunt, or when a flyer falls on a base/spotter who also falls.
PYR BB = pyramid building bobble
The same as a building bobble, but in the pyramid section of a routine. See the “building bobble” definition above.
PYR BF = pyramid building fall
The same as a building fall, but in the pyramid section of a routine. See the “building fall” definition above.
MAJOR PYR BF = major pyramid building fall
The same as a major building fall, but in the pyramid section of a routine. See the “major building fall” definition above.
Not all deductions are applied to all teams. The number of deductions that apply to your team, points you lose, etc. may vary. Always check your rules before competing!
Cover photo from Cheershots by Tara