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.
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