A loading position can now occur during a transition

NFHS also changed its definition of a loading position, or load. A loading position occurs when bases support the top person under the feet below the bases’ shoulder level. NFHS now states that transitions can include loads. The 2nd part is kinda confusing…you might hear “load” and picture the starting position before a stunt goes up. NFHS does not limit the term to that moment.

Your group can move through a loading position during a transition. That wording matters because other rules can refer to a load position during a stunt sequence. Coaches now have a more exact definition. Watch the support point and height during transitions. Do not identify the position only by where it appears in the sequence.

NFHS expanded the rules for flip inversions

Rules 2-3-5a and the new 2-3-5k change one type of braced flip inversion. NFHS now allows a flip inversion when the top person and bracer use a hand-to-foot connection. The rule also adds restrictions for that connection.

The connection can exist without an additional hand-to-arm connection. That doesnt mean coaches can use any flip inversion with a hand-to-foot connection. NFHS prohibits twisting when the hand-to-foot connection is the only connection. The other requirements for the skill still apply.

This rule gives coaches another construction option for some inversion sequences. It does not create an unrestricted new category of flipping skills. If you add this connection, check the entire inversion against Rule 2-3-5. Don’t stop your review after you confirm the hand-to-foot grip.

New catchers must be free when a transition starts

Rules 2-4-2c and 3-4-3c address vertical-to-horizontal releases that use new catchers. NFHS now states that new catchers cannot take part in another skill when the transition starts.

Picture a top person who releases from a vertical stunt and travels into different catchers. Those catchers must already be available when the transition begins. You cannot pull them from another active stunt after the release starts.

This can affect busy pyramid choreography. A routine might look possible because the new catchers reach the top person on time. Their activity when the transition begins can still create a problem. Review the whole stunt group during these transitions. Do not watch only the top person.

A top person cannot pass over another top person or bracer

NFHS added Rule 2-5-5g for 2026-27. The rule prohibits a top person from passing over another top person or bracer during a stunt. (NFHS) This wording gives coaches a direct restriction for overlapping stunt paths. You should check this rule when two stunt groups work close together. Pay special attention when one top travels across another group’s space. A sequence can look clean from the front while the athletes’ paths overlap from another angle. Record these sections from the side during practice. That view can make the travel path easier to see.

Vertical-to-horizontal releases require two catchers

NFHS also clarified Rule 2-5-6e. A release from a vertical position to a horizontal position requires two catchers. That requirement also applies when one base starts the stunt. (NFHS) The single-base detail can catch coaches.

You might build a stunt around one strong base and assume the same athlete can complete the entire release. The new wording removes that interpretation. Once the top releases toward a horizontal position, the skill needs two catchers. Look closely at creative single-base sequences in your routine. Check any release that changes the top from vertical to horizontal.

Dismounts to new catchers can include a quarter twist

Rules 2-7-8d and 3-7-8d add another useful option. NFHS now allows a quarter twist during a dismount to new catchers. (NFHS)

NFHS gives a simple example:

A forward-facing top person can dismount toward new catchers who stand to the side. The top can use a quarter twist to face the catch correctly. (NFHS)

This change can make some transitions easier to choreograph. It can also solve awkward spacing when the next formation sits beside the original stunt group. The limit still matters. The rule permits a quarter twist in this situation. Do not turn that allowance into a larger twisting dismount without checking the rest of Rule 2-7.