How to Make Cheerleading Safe

Cheerleading has evolved through the years to become increasingly more athletic and consequently more dangerous. To help make cheerleading safer, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators has developed safety guidelines for every level of the sport. The guidelines are increasingly more specific and involved depending on the age and development of the cheerleading squad. The safety rules include restrictions for tosses, stunts and pyramids for advanced high school and college teams. The list also provides guidelines for fundamentals that elementary, junior high and high school squads should learn before progressing to more advanced cheerleading techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure coaches are certified and qualified. Coaches at the high school level should be certified by the National Federation of High School Sports. All cheerleader coaches should be certified in CPR, first aid and have cheerleading coaching experience.

    • 2

      Recognize the inherent risks in cheerleading and learn the basics of all stunts and tricks before attempting to perform them. Cheerleaders should be alert to the dangers of the sport and stay aware of the risks when practicing and performing.

    • 3

      Evaluate your environment. Before beginning any cheerleading activity, make sure the surface on which you will be working is flat, free from objects and obstructions, dry and smooth. Practice tumbling, stunts and jumps on tumbling mats and air or spring floors only.

    • 4

      Perfect basic cheerleading skills until each is mastered before progressing to more difficult techniques. Only attempt skills within the ability level of everyone on the squad.

    • 5

      Train spotters and demand diligence. Spotters are key to cheerleading safety and must be taught to stay alert to protect the stunter’s neck, head and shoulders. The spotter’s eyes should never come off the person performing the stunt.

    • 6

      Purchase an automated external defibrillator for the squad. These devices check heart rhythms and shock the heart when necessary. Each school should have a defibrillator available for cheerleaders, says the National Cheer Safety Foundation.

    • 7

      Execute an emergency plan. The squad should always have a plan for medical emergencies, a first aid kit, splint kit and the defibrillator on hand. Coaches should have a plan for when it’s necessary to report a medical emergency and call for emergency medical technicians.

    • 8

      Report all cheerleading-related injuries to the cheer injury report. Cheer organizations will be alerted and can make any changes necessary to safety guidelines to prevent similar injuries in the future.

    • 9

      Avoid over-practicing. Balance is key in any sport and overdoing it often leads to fatigue and injuries. Cheerleaders need to stay hydrated during practice, especially in hot weather. A 10-minute water break after every 20 minutes of heavy training in hot weather, is recommended according to the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators.

    • 10

      Encourage cheerleaders to speak up if they are concerned about the safety of any stunt or routine. Encourage squad members to point out any concerns they have for safety to coaches, and to parents or school administrators, if necessary.