Cheerleaders serve as a support group for the different interscholastic athletic teams within their schools. Cheerleaders should always improve student morale, boost team spirit, and help a school achieve the most worthwhile objectives in its interscholastic program.

The positive crowd and student body involvement, directed by the cheerleading squad in support of the school team, should be a major goal.

Cheerleading is an activity under the North Carolina High School Athletic Association jurisdiction in two areas – eligibility and safety guidelines. Schools and coaches can find all information about cheerleading in this section of the Handbook. Spirit rulebooks are sent to head varsity coaches. Both junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders must have their eligibility certified in the same manner as other interscholastic athletes. In addition, the Board of Directors has approved the National Federation of State High School Associations Spirit Rules. Rules have been recommended to each local educational agency for implementation and adoption.