The dangers of cheerleading can be significantly reduced by adhering to safety rules and regulations. The standards set up by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) should be viewed as absolutes, never to be broken in practice or performance. While the risk of cheerleading cannot be eliminated, keeping safety as your No. 1 priority will greatly reduce the number of injuries incurred.
Coaches
Cheerleaders should practice and perform only under the supervision of a qualified coach. To be qualified, a cheerleading coach needs more than just experience in cheerleading. At bare minimum you must familiarize yourself with and fully understand all safety regulations. Many state cheerleading organizations hold rules interpretation meetings to help coaches more fully understand each year's changes. Pursue safety certification, like the one offered by AACCA. Finally, be a stickler about adhering to safety regulations. When it comes to safety, make no exceptions.
Cheerleaders
As a cheerleader, you can help your coach promote an atmosphere of safety on your squad. Familiarize yourself with safety rules and regulations, and be willing to speak up when you see an unsafe situation. Never participate in stunting that takes place when your coach is not present. When you are serving as a spotter, pay attention by keeping your focus on the stunt in progress and jumping in to help if it goes awry. Be a vocal supporter of safety acting as an example for other cheerleaders to emulate.
Jumps and Tumbling
Follow all guidelines related to jumps and tumbling. For example, all jumps must land with at least one foot bearing the weight of the cheerleader. Some tumbling skills are prohibited in cheerleading, such as dive rolls and flips or twists involving more than one rotation. Make sure that proper progressions are adhered to in both jumps and tumbling. Master easier skills prior to attempting more difficult ones. Consider having cheerleaders learn tumbling at a gym with more equipment and under the supervision of a gymnastics professional.
Stunting
Stunting is likely the area where a coach will have to enforce the most safety regulations. Make sure to enforce the big rules, such as limiting the height of pyramids and strictly monitoring the use of inversions. Do not overlook the smaller regulations, like never allowing a cheerleader to participate while wearing jewelry. In stunting it is very important for your cheerleaders to show consistent mastery of basic skills before attempting more advanced skills. No matter what, never allow your cheerleaders to stunt when you are not present. Always pay full attention when your cheerleaders are stunting.
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