LATEST NEWS
The U.S. All Star Federation announces the 2026 Class of USASF Scholarship FinalistsFebruary 16, 2026
Each year, the U.S. All Star Federation honors a group of distinguished student-athletes whose achievements extend far beyond the sport. These individuals embody the spirit of All Star athletics — excellence in performance, academics, leadership, and character.
The USASF College Scholarship Program supports college-bound seniors and exceptional athletes who not only shine in their sport but also demonstrate integrity, determination, and a drive to succeed. Applicants are evaluated through a rigorous process that includes a personal essay, academic achievements, and one recommendation from a coach or club owner. Finalists are then invited to an interview that highlights their professionalism, self-representation, and commitment to their community and goals.
Since 2008, the United States All Star Federation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to more than 300 deserving athletes. Receiving a USASF scholarship is more than a financial award — it’s a celebration of everything these athletes have learned and accomplished through their All Star journey.
New in 2026, winners will be recognized at select Event Producer competitions. Award categories include Gold, Silver, KP Connection, and Excellence Awards in Leadership, Academics, All Star Dedication, and Community Service.
2026 USASF Scholarship Finalists
CHEER FINALISTS
Kaitlyn Bailey, Premier Athletics Knoxville West
Madisyn Bradnick, Flipping Out Tumbling
Leah Green, The Stingray Allstars - Marrietta
Katherine Kendall, Buckeye Cheer Elite
Belle Morgan, FAME All Stars
Isabella Salazar, Valley Cheer Elite
Mikaela Scuorzo, Spirit Factory All Stars
Jaylee Sheffield, The Cheer Connection
Parker Walley, KC Cheer
Cassidy Watkins, Carolina Magic Allstars
DANCE FINALISTS
Josephine Hall, 5678! Dance Studio
Katherine Heaney, Project N Dance Center
Bridget Saltzman, 5678! Dance Studio
Jayla Thompson, Dynamic Dance
CheerABILITIES FINALISTS
India Brodie, Maryland Twisters
Christina Morton, Maryland Twisters
Joy Niebergall, ICE All Stars
DanceABILITIES FINALIST
Catherine Solferino, Dance Savannah
The U.S. All Star Federation announces the 2026 Class of USASF Scholarship Finalists
Each year, the U.S. All Star Federation honors a group of distinguished student-athletes whose achievements extend far beyond the sport. These individuals embody the spirit of All Star athletics — excellence in performance, academics, leadership, and character.
The USASF College Scholarship Program supports college-bound seniors and exceptional athletes who not only shine in their sport but also demonstrate integrity, determination, and a drive to succeed. Applicants are evaluated through a rigorous process that includes a personal essay, academic achievements, and one recommendation from a coach or club owner. Finalists are then invited to an interview that highlights their professionalism, self-representation, and commitment to their community and goals.
Since 2008, the United States All Star Federation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to more than 300 deserving athletes. Receiving a USASF scholarship is more than a financial award — it’s a celebration of everything these athletes have learned and accomplished through their All Star journey.
New in 2026, winners will be recognized at select Event Producer competitions. Award categories include Gold, Silver, KP Connection, and Excellence Awards in Leadership, Academics, All Star Dedication, and Community Service.
2026 USASF Scholarship Finalists
CHEER FINALISTS
Kaitlyn Bailey, Premier Athletics Knoxville West
Madisyn Bradnick, Flipping Out Tumbling
Leah Green, The Stingray Allstars - Marrietta
Katherine Kendall, Buckeye Cheer Elite
Belle Morgan, FAME All Stars
Isabella Salazar, Valley Cheer Elite
Mikaela Scuorzo, Spirit Factory All Stars
Jaylee Sheffield, The Cheer Connection
Parker Walley, KC Cheer
Cassidy Watkins, Carolina Magic Allstars
DANCE FINALISTS
Josephine Hall, 5678! Dance Studio
Katherine Heaney, Project N Dance Center
Bridget Saltzman, 5678! Dance Studio
Jayla Thompson, Dynamic Dance
CheerABILITIES FINALISTS
India Brodie, Maryland Twisters
Christina Morton, Maryland Twisters
Joy Niebergall, ICE All Stars
DanceABILITIES FINALIST
Catherine Solferino, Dance Savannah
The USASF College Scholarship Program supports college-bound seniors and exceptional athletes who not only shine in their sport but also demonstrate integrity, determination, and a drive to succeed. Applicants are evaluated through a rigorous process that includes a personal essay, academic achievements, and one recommendation from a coach or club owner. Finalists are then invited to an interview that highlights their professionalism, self-representation, and commitment to their community and goals.
Since 2008, the United States All Star Federation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to more than 300 deserving athletes. Receiving a USASF scholarship is more than a financial award — it’s a celebration of everything these athletes have learned and accomplished through their All Star journey.
New in 2026, winners will be recognized at select Event Producer competitions. Award categories include Gold, Silver, KP Connection, and Excellence Awards in Leadership, Academics, All Star Dedication, and Community Service.
2026 USASF Scholarship Finalists
CHEER FINALISTS
Kaitlyn Bailey, Premier Athletics Knoxville West
Madisyn Bradnick, Flipping Out Tumbling
Leah Green, The Stingray Allstars - Marrietta
Katherine Kendall, Buckeye Cheer Elite
Belle Morgan, FAME All Stars
Isabella Salazar, Valley Cheer Elite
Mikaela Scuorzo, Spirit Factory All Stars
Jaylee Sheffield, The Cheer Connection
Parker Walley, KC Cheer
Cassidy Watkins, Carolina Magic Allstars
DANCE FINALISTS
Josephine Hall, 5678! Dance Studio
Katherine Heaney, Project N Dance Center
Bridget Saltzman, 5678! Dance Studio
Jayla Thompson, Dynamic Dance
CheerABILITIES FINALISTS
India Brodie, Maryland Twisters
Christina Morton, Maryland Twisters
Joy Niebergall, ICE All Stars
DanceABILITIES FINALIST
Catherine Solferino, Dance Savannah
Early Release of 2026-27 Cheer & Dance Age Grid, Rules announcedMarch 5, 2026
March 5, 2026 - The United States All Star Federation (USASF) has posted the Early Release of the USASF Cheer and Dance Rules and Age Grid for the 2026-2027 season.
One of the most anticipated updates centers on the Flex Divisions that were introduced in 2025-2026 for All Star Cheer as Provisional Divisions.
For the 2026–2027 All Star Cheer season:- Flex Divisions and traditional Youth and Junior Divisions will remain unchanged.
- Birth years will adjust forward by one year to reflect the natural progression of time, but the top and bottom age ranges will remain consistent with the 2025–2026 season.
- USASF will not add any new divisions to the age grid.
As part of the evaluation process for potential 2026–2027 cheer age grid changes, USASF invited member feedback through a survey and an All Member Cheer call. The USASF received more than 2,000 individual respondents from USASF club owners, coaches and event producers. All responses and additional comments were carefully reviewed and considered.
For the 2026–2027 All Star Dance season:- Effective immediately for The Dance Worlds™ 2026, there will be both Senior Kick and Senior Kick Coed divisions. For the 2026-2027 season, the Senior Kick division will be one, combined division allowing both male and female dancers.
- The maximum time limit for the Intermediate and Premier Tiers will change from 2:15 to 2:00.
- New rules are in place for groups and pairs.
- In the intermediate youth, junior and senior tiers, an Executing Dancer may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum.
- In the premier tiers, an Executing Dancer may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum if their hips originate above head-level. Exception: If the Executing Dancer begins completely parallel to the performance surface, they may pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum.
“We understand that opinions may vary across the industry. In a sport as passionate as All Star Cheer and Dance, solutions rarely feel perfect to everyone,” said USASF Executive Director of Rules, Scoring and Education, Dana Fielding. “However, the decisions were made following careful analysis of survey data, direct member input, and consideration of the broader industry impact.”
THE USASF does not anticipate additional changes to the rules and age grid for the 2026-2027 season but reserves the right to make modifications if necessary.
Early Release of 2026-27 Cheer & Dance Age Grid, Rules announced
March 5, 2026 - The United States All Star Federation (USASF) has posted the Early Release of the USASF Cheer and Dance Rules and Age Grid for the 2026-2027 season.
One of the most anticipated updates centers on the Flex Divisions that were introduced in 2025-2026 for All Star Cheer as Provisional Divisions.
For the 2026–2027 All Star Cheer season:
- Flex Divisions and traditional Youth and Junior Divisions will remain unchanged.
- Birth years will adjust forward by one year to reflect the natural progression of time, but the top and bottom age ranges will remain consistent with the 2025–2026 season.
- USASF will not add any new divisions to the age grid.
As part of the evaluation process for potential 2026–2027 cheer age grid changes, USASF invited member feedback through a survey and an All Member Cheer call. The USASF received more than 2,000 individual respondents from USASF club owners, coaches and event producers. All responses and additional comments were carefully reviewed and considered.
For the 2026–2027 All Star Dance season:
- Effective immediately for The Dance Worlds™ 2026, there will be both Senior Kick and Senior Kick Coed divisions. For the 2026-2027 season, the Senior Kick division will be one, combined division allowing both male and female dancers.
- The maximum time limit for the Intermediate and Premier Tiers will change from 2:15 to 2:00.
- New rules are in place for groups and pairs.
- In the intermediate youth, junior and senior tiers, an Executing Dancer may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum.
- In the premier tiers, an Executing Dancer may not pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum if their hips originate above head-level. Exception: If the Executing Dancer begins completely parallel to the performance surface, they may pass through or stop in an inverted position with downward momentum.
“We understand that opinions may vary across the industry. In a sport as passionate as All Star Cheer and Dance, solutions rarely feel perfect to everyone,” said USASF Executive Director of Rules, Scoring and Education, Dana Fielding. “However, the decisions were made following careful analysis of survey data, direct member input, and consideration of the broader industry impact.”
THE USASF does not anticipate additional changes to the rules and age grid for the 2026-2027 season but reserves the right to make modifications if necessary.
2024-25 Competition Season UnderwayOctober 23, 2024
The USASF competition season is officially here, and we’re kicking it off this weekend with three incredible events! Best of luck to all the amazing cheer and dance teams participating in these sanctioned competitions!
- American Cheer Power Halloween Challenge in San Antonio, TX -- Oct. 26, 2024
- UCA/UDA Mid South Regional in Southaven, MS -- Oct. 26, 2024
- JAMZ Fall Fest in Stockton, CA Oct. 27, 2024
Start your search now for more USASF sanctioned competitions this season.
2024-25 Competition Season Underway
The USASF competition season is officially here, and we’re kicking it off this weekend with three incredible events! Best of luck to all the amazing cheer and dance teams participating in these sanctioned competitions!
- American Cheer Power Halloween Challenge in San Antonio, TX -- Oct. 26, 2024
- UCA/UDA Mid South Regional in Southaven, MS -- Oct. 26, 2024
- JAMZ Fall Fest in Stockton, CA Oct. 27, 2024
Start your search now for more USASF sanctioned competitions this season.
The future of All Star is brightOctober 7, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce the release of the USASF Biennial Report for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons! Explore our overview of the achievements and initiatives that have shaped the past two seasons, all while upholding our commitment to safety, inclusivity and excellence within the All Star cheer and dance communities. Join us in celebrating the incredible spirit of our USASF members and fans! Read the full report and let’s continue to elevate the sport together!
The future of All Star is bright
We’re thrilled to announce the release of the USASF Biennial Report for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons! Explore our overview of the achievements and initiatives that have shaped the past two seasons, all while upholding our commitment to safety, inclusivity and excellence within the All Star cheer and dance communities. Join us in celebrating the incredible spirit of our USASF members and fans! Read the full report and let’s continue to elevate the sport together!
Get started earlyOctober 7, 2024
While November is National Scholarship Month, your athletes can start NOW! There's no better time for college-bound member athletes, including CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES athletes, to begin the scholarship application process. Encourage your athletes to get started early and apply for a USASF College or Exceptional Athlete Scholarship. Learn more about USASF Scholarships. The submission deadline is Feb. 1, 2025.
Get started early
While November is National Scholarship Month, your athletes can start NOW! There's no better time for college-bound member athletes, including CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES athletes, to begin the scholarship application process. Encourage your athletes to get started early and apply for a USASF College or Exceptional Athlete Scholarship. Learn more about USASF Scholarships. The submission deadline is Feb. 1, 2025.
Revisions to the USASF Dance/Cheer Rules & Age Grids announcedMay 21, 2024
Dance Rules & Age Grid 2024-2025The following changes were made since the early release of the rules in February. If you have any questions, please email smbate@usasf.net.
Dance Age Grid- Modified the category description of Kick to include the word alignment.
- Addition to inform members that MALE dancers must compete on the performance surface not just be rostered for a routine to qualify as COED.
- The Open Division will no longer be split into small and large at USASF Sanctioned Events.
- Open Kick will no longer receive bids to The Dance Worlds.
Dance Rules- Youth Prep is now also allowed to release their heads back in jumps and perform two fouettes.
Updates to IASF DivisionsTeams that plan on competing in Open/International divisions during the upcoming season, should plan to review the IASF Age Grid for 2024-25. Notable changes include:
1. The IASF has removed the Elite and Premier divisions at The Dance Worlds 2025 to better align with the international division standards of performance cheer and to avoid team size inconsistency. Additionally, the IASF is removing the Kick divisions of Open and Junior Dance due to aligning with performance cheer and low international participation. As a result, the IASF/Open divisions at Worlds 2025 will not be split by size (example: Open Elite Pom or Open Premier Pom; instead they will compete in Open Pom). Open Kick will not be offered. In summary, the following IASF divisions will be offered at The Dance Worlds 2025:
Open Hip Hop
Open Coed Hip Hop
Open Male Hip Hop
Open Jazz
Open Coed Jazz
Open Pom
Open Coed Pom
Open Open (Contemporary/Lyrical)
Junior Dance (Hip Hop, Jazz and/or Pom) U.S. video entry only
- 6-30 members apply for each division
2. Both male and female dancers must perform in order for a routine to be considered coed. Dancers who make up a coed composition must be rostered AND take the competition floor.
Cheer Rules & Age Grid 2024-2025Please take a moment to review the cheer rules and age grid for next season. Below are the changes made since the early release of the rules in February. If you have any questions, please email acarter@usasf.net.- Stated when same-sized teams from the same club (Elite - non-Worlds, non-International) may request to not compete against each other.
- All International Levels 1-4 divisions offered on the USASF Age Grid now have a 30-athlete maximum.
- International Levels 1-4 divisions may now be split by size, “Small” (16-24) and “Medium” (25-30).
Revisions to the USASF Dance/Cheer Rules & Age Grids announced
Dance Rules & Age Grid 2024-2025
The following changes were made since the early release of the rules in February. If you have any questions, please email smbate@usasf.net.
Dance Age Grid
- Modified the category description of Kick to include the word alignment.
- Addition to inform members that MALE dancers must compete on the performance surface not just be rostered for a routine to qualify as COED.
- The Open Division will no longer be split into small and large at USASF Sanctioned Events.
- Open Kick will no longer receive bids to The Dance Worlds.
Dance Rules
- Youth Prep is now also allowed to release their heads back in jumps and perform two fouettes.
Updates to IASF Divisions
Teams that plan on competing in Open/International divisions during the upcoming season, should plan to review the IASF Age Grid for 2024-25. Notable changes include:
1. The IASF has removed the Elite and Premier divisions at The Dance Worlds 2025 to better align with the international division standards of performance cheer and to avoid team size inconsistency. Additionally, the IASF is removing the Kick divisions of Open and Junior Dance due to aligning with performance cheer and low international participation. As a result, the IASF/Open divisions at Worlds 2025 will not be split by size (example: Open Elite Pom or Open Premier Pom; instead they will compete in Open Pom). Open Kick will not be offered. In summary, the following IASF divisions will be offered at The Dance Worlds 2025:
Open Hip Hop
Open Coed Hip Hop
Open Male Hip Hop
Open Jazz
Open Coed Jazz
Open Pom
Open Coed Pom
Open Open (Contemporary/Lyrical)
Junior Dance (Hip Hop, Jazz and/or Pom) U.S. video entry only
- 6-30 members apply for each division
2. Both male and female dancers must perform in order for a routine to be considered coed. Dancers who make up a coed composition must be rostered AND take the competition floor.
Cheer Rules & Age Grid 2024-2025
Please take a moment to review the cheer rules and age grid for next season. Below are the changes made since the early release of the rules in February. If you have any questions, please email acarter@usasf.net.
- Stated when same-sized teams from the same club (Elite - non-Worlds, non-International) may request to not compete against each other.
- All International Levels 1-4 divisions offered on the USASF Age Grid now have a 30-athlete maximum.
- International Levels 1-4 divisions may now be split by size, “Small” (16-24) and “Medium” (25-30).
Early Release of 2024-25 Cheer Age Grid, Rules AnnouncedFebruary 23, 2024
Early Release of 2024-25 Cheer Age Grid & Rules found at: www.usasf.net/rules
Early Release of 2024-25 Cheer Age Grid, Rules Announced
Early Release of 2024-25 Cheer Age Grid & Rules found at: www.usasf.net/rules
Early Release of 2024-25 Dance Age Grid, Rules AnnouncedFebruary 23, 2024
Early Release of 2024-25 Dance Age Grid & Rules found at: www.usasf.net/rules
Early Release of 2024-25 Dance Age Grid, Rules Announced
Early Release of 2024-25 Dance Age Grid & Rules found at: www.usasf.net/rules
