Injury Prevention

Cheerleading

Cheerleading has changed a lot over the years. Today cheerleading is a very vigorous activity, which includes gymnastics, tosses, partner stunts and pyramid building. Like other athletic activities, safety precautions can help prevent injuries.

Safety Tips

Make sure your child’s or teenager’s cheerleading coach is certified and properly trained for the job.
Read the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors safety guidelines. The AACCA regularly updates its guidelines for high school age and younger, and college age level.
The National Federation of State High School Associations publishes the “Spirit Rule Book,” which is another principal technical and safety rules reference resource for cheerleading coaches.
Be sure your children practice and perform cheerleading only when supervised by their coach.
Be sure your youngster receives proper training for gymnastics and other cheerleading stunts and techniques.
Make sure your child knows his or her ability level and does not attempt advanced stunts before mastering the lower level skills.
Warm-up exercises and stretches are as important for cheerleaders as they are for other athletes.
If your child sustains an injury, ensure they get the proper medical attention and follow-up as necessary.

For more information:

Last Update
July 29, 2011

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