Here are a few notes on competitive cheerleading:

• The National Cheerleading Association and Universal Cheerleading Associationare the two largest competitive cheerleading organizations.

• American Cheer Power holds competitions in 10 states, including last Sunday's Halloween Open at Slippery Rock University.

• The competitive cheerleading season runs from September through May.

• Ages of competitive cheerleading teams range from 5 to 18. Ability level divisions range from 1 through 5 for each age group.

• National cheerleading competitions attract as many as 700 teams.

• The competition floor is 54 by 42 feet.

• A competitive routine lasts two minutes and 30 seconds.

• Squads are allowed 30 minutes to reorganize in the event of an injury during warm-ups or competition.

• A penalty/legality judge may take away points for violation of safety rules concerning tumbling, running, stunts, pyramids, dismounts, release moves, inversions and tosses.

• Soft-soled shoes must be worn during competition.

• Flags, banners, signs, pom-poms and megaphones are the only props permitted during competition.

• Coaches must sign a Code of Conduct stating their teams may be penalized points for unsportsmanlike conduct at any time during an event.

• All routines must be appropriate for family viewing.