What does the ICU Do


The International Cheer Union (ICU) is operated solely to act as the International Federation for the sport of Cheer. The ICU may engage in the following activities, without limitation:

  • Manage, direct, promote, organize, and assist the activities and disciplines associated with Cheer worldwide;
  • Perpetuate and improve Cheer worldwide;
  • Encourage the growth and development of Cheer programs and opportunities to the world’s youth;
  • Communicate with and support the formation of new National Cheer Federations (also known as National Governing Bodies) and countries that are interested in starting Cheer programs, activities, and events;
  • Encourage the creation of national teams to represent their respective countries in worldwide events, exchanges, and competition;
  • Coordinate efforts with all other organizations promoting Cheer;
  • Work with companies, manufacturers, agencies, and all other entities which have the ability to assist in the growth, development, and promotion of Cheer;
  • Recognize outstanding Cheer contributions by groups, individuals, and organizations;
  • Provide National Cheer Federations (also known as National Governing Bodies) coaches, teachers, and educators with tools for researching trends, technology, ideas, issues, and solutions to problems associated with Cheer;
  • Provide and create the opportunity to discuss, enhance, and evaluate changes in Cheer;
  • Encourage and promote the moral standards which are enhanced through sports experiences and sports education;
  • Follow and promote the laws of the IOC and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA);
  • Establish rules and regulations for international competitive events and programs;
  • Establish the rules of eligibility, none of which shall be more restrictive than those established by the IOC, and work with the respective National Cheer Federations (also known as National Governing Bodies) to allow for maximum participation in Cheer by athletes on an international basis;
  • Create, promote, disseminate, and have jurisdiction over the rules of conduct for international competitions including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games (if appropriate);
  • Establish and/or sanction procedures for the determination of eligibility standards for participation in World Championships, Pan American Games, and Olympic Games (if appropriate);
  • Sanction and conduct international athletic competition in Cheer, including World Championships for national teams;
  • Represent the sport of Cheer to the IOC; and
  • Do all things necessary for and incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes and goals of the organization.