Balancing on one foot while atop a foundation built from three girls and then being tossed in the air to spin 360 degrees prior to be caught in the arms of those same girls involves a high degree of expertise and an element of danger. However, cheerleaders face the same dangers as many other sports. Minimizing the risk factors of cheerleading can be done with a little planning and a lot of vigilance.
Qualified Coaches
The first rule listed in the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Adminstrators (AACCA) School Cheerleading Rules is cheerleading squads should be placed under the direction of a qualified and knowledgeable advisor or coach. This is likely the most important step to reducing the dangers of cheerleading. A qualified cheer coach must have experience in cheerleading, tumbling and stunting. Coaches also need to pursue cheerleading safety certification, such as the one offered by AACCA, and attend yearly rule interpretation meetings to make sure they understand all rule changes.
Rule Adherance
In cheerleading, the temptation to break the rules runs high, as outside of cheerleading competitions there is not a governing body policing cheerleading safety. All coaches should adhere strictly to safety regulations, even the ones they do not agree with. For example, some coaches allow cheerleaders to wear jewelry at practices or games even though this is a violation of the School Cheerleading Rules. However, every rule has been put into place for a reason. Jewelry can cause scratching, bruising and open wounds to the cheerleader wearing it and to others around her. Be a stickler for safety every second, and you can greatly reduce your squad's likelihood of being injured.
Proper Practice Surfaces
Falling onto hard surfaces is the cause of many serious cheerleading injuries. It is vital that a cheer coach pays attention to the flooring the squad is practicing and performing on. Basket tosses, when three or more cheerleaders toss another cheerleader in the air, and twisting cradles, where a flier spins as she dismounts from a stunt, should only be performed on matted surfaces. When learning new stunts, cheerleaders should always use a matted surface. Never allow a group of cheerleaders to perform a stunt at a game or competition until they can consistently hit the stunt in practice.
Progressive Learning
A final component to reducing the risks of cheerleading is using proper progressions. Just as a child learns to walk before learning to run, a cheerleader must master basic skills before trying more difficult ones. This is especially vital in the area of tumbling and stunting. Do not allow your cheerleaders to attempt skills until they show mastery of the basic lead-up skills. For example, cheerleaders should not be allowed to attempt a 1-foot stunt such as a liberty, until they have mastered 2-foot extended stunts like an extension and a cupie.
References
- WLKY Louisville; Competitive Cheerleaders Fly in the Face of Danger; Karen Roby; November 14, 2010
- Sports MD; Preventing Catastrophic Injuries in Cheerleading; Terry Zeigler; February 10, 2010
- American Association of Cheer Coaches & Administrators: 2011-12 School Cheerleading Rules
- Varsity: Skills and Drills -- Advanced Stunts -- Full Twist Cradle
- Varsity: Skills and Drills -- Elite Stunts -- Ground-up Liberty
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