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:

• USA Cheer, formly known as American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors
• National Federation of State High School Associations