Our goal, along with our partners at the National Federation of High Schools, the US All Star Federation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association is to reduce the rate of injury to cheerleaders. Nearly every cheerleading “safety” article in recent years has used studies that go back over 20 years. That doesn't paint an accurate picture of the current state of cheerleading safety. Over the last few years, injury statistics for cheerleading have not gone up at the same rate as participation. In fact, from 2001 to 2006 emergency room visits went down 3% for the high school and college age group (14 – 21). The NCAA has not had a catastrophic injury claim for a cheerleading injury since it required that all teams were supervised by a safety certified coach. Everyone has a role to play in safety, including the administrators and gym owners, coaches, athletes and parents. Together, we can continue the recent trends in cheerleading safety even as cheerleading participation increases across the country.
What role do coaches play in safety? As the person directly supervising, the coach has the primary responsibility for safety. They must know the rules for their level and follow them diligently. They must know the standards in place for performer readiness, requiring proficiency before progression, and how to best handle emergencies. They must be able to recognize their own limitations as well as those of the individual athletes. Finally, coaches must establish an understanding that safety is important and that if anyone feels there is a cause for concern that they are allowed to voice it.
What role do administrators play? Whether they are athletics directors or principals in a school setting or whether they are the gym owners in a non-school program, administrators must provide support and oversight of the cheerleading program. They must be familiar with the basic rules and safety procedures in order to evaluate their coaches and their cheer programs. They must hire qualified coaches and have them properly trained not only in risk management techniques like those taught in the AACCA course, but also in instructional techniques of specific skills like partner stunts, pyramids and gymnastics where appropriate.
What role do athletes play? As the person who is directly at risk, cheerleaders must be able to voice their concerns about safety if they feel they are being pushed too hard to do a skill they are not prepared to perform or if there is any other safety concern. They also bear a responsibility to follow the safety rules and progressions and to be attentive when performing skills or spotting them. If the cheerleader feels that they cannot voice a safety concern to the coach or administration, they should voice it to their parents.
What role do parents play? A vital one. In any sport there is only so much that a state association or even a national organization can do. Parents should make sure that their coaches are following established standards, established rules and have the proper training in safety techniques. If a certified athletic trainer is not present, as is the case in many sports, someone on site should be trained in CPR and first aid techniques as a first responder. There should be an emergency plan in place and everyone should know and have practiced it. If a coach is not following the rules and is jeopardizing the safety of the participants, parents are often the only ones that can speak up – and they should. If the safety concerns are not addressed by the coach or administration, they should be escalated to the school board. If in the end appropriate changes aren't made, it is the parent's duty to find another place for their child to cheer or find another athletic outlet. This isn't an easy decision to make, but the parent holds the final card in making sure their child is in a safe environment.
These roles aren't only true of cheerleading. They are true for any sport or activity.
Read the full story and response from Jim Lord here.
