KICK COUNTER/TIMER CHECKLIST

KICK COUNTER/TIMERS MUST BE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHO UNDERSTAND THE KICK COUNTING AND TIMING PROCESS, INCLUDING THE CURRENT MSHSL DANCE TEAM KICK COUNT AND TIMING REQUIREMENTS PER THE DANCE TEAM RULES BOOK.

PER MSHSL REQUIREMENTS, KICK COUNTER/TIMERS MUST BE ADULTS (INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL). IF THE KICK COUNTER/TIMERS ARE NOT OF THE AGE REQUIRED BY THE MSHSL, OR IF THEY ARE UNSURE OF THEIR ABILITY TO COMPLETE THE DUTIES OF THIS POSITION, INFORM THE SUPERIOR JUDGE IMMEDIATELY.

NUMBER OF KICK COUNTER/TIMERS REQUIRED:

  • One (1) kick counter/timer, preferably trained, is required at all meets with 1-4 routines
  • Two (2) kick counter timers, preferably trained, are required at all meets with 5 or more routines
  • It is highly recommended that two (2) kick counter/timers are at High Kick meets, regardless of the number of routines

PREPARATION BEFORE THE MEET:

  • Kick counter/timers should have the following supplies:
  • Stop watch
  • Paper and pens (pens all of the same color)
  • Current kick count/timing forms from the MSHSL dance team rules book
  • Lap counter/kick counter
  • Clipboard
  • Test the stopwatch
  • Test the lap counter/kick counter
  • Meet with the Superior Judge to review rules, order of performance, and other meet logistics
  • Check for and verify any performance order or schedule changes
  • Prepare the kick count/timing forms
  • Full sheet – list all teams in order of performance, by division/class
  • Half sheet – write each team name on a separate sheet and complete/circle all item relative to that team (level, class/division, category)
  • Do not dress in school-specific or team-specific clothing

TIME REQUIREMENTS: 2:30 to 3:30 minutes

All time begins with the first beat of the music and ends with the last beat of the music

KICK COUNTER/TIMER CHECKLIST

KICK REQUIREMENTS:

HIGH KICK:40 to 65 kicks ABOVE THE WAIST

Performed by the entire team, but not necessarily

at the same time

JAZZ:Maximum of 5 kick above the waist while linked

Must be linked (connected, hooked up)

Solo/individual kicks are o.k.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

JAZZ:Team completed a pirouette and leap/jump

TYPES OF KICKS:

TYPE: Straight / high, angled, fans (full and half), hinge, flick, hitch, screw / S,

battement / lift kicks

CAN BE PERFORMED AS: Alternating kicks, progression kicks, group kicks, ripple kicks, partial team kicks

DURING THE MEET:

  • Enter the stands with the officials and be seated where the Superior Judge directs
  • REMAIN NEUTRAL – do not clap or cheer for teams; do not talk or waive to other spectators
  • Count the number of competitors for each routine and write the number on the full sheet kick count/timing form
  • Carefully watch and concentrate on each routine to get an accurate kick count and to properly record the time
  • Watch each routine for falls; if you are a MSHSL official, you will be asked by the Superior Judge if you saw any falls during a routine in order to determine if a majority of the officials saw the fall and then assess penalties as applicable
  • Write each routine’s time, the number of high kicks from the kick count, and check the box to verify that the team completed at least one full-team pirouette and leap/jump (for jazz only) on each half sheet kick count/timing form
  • Write the same information on the full sheet kick count/timing form
  • Notify the Superior Judge of any kick count and/or time violations immediately after the team has performed
  • Give the half sheet kick count/timing form to the runner when the judges’ score sheets are collected
  • After the meet, give the full sheet kick count/timing form to the Superior Judge