CHEERLEADING SAFETYMichelle Kelly, ARM, CPSI

Sr. Consultant, Risk Services

Poms & Associates

Changing Face of Cheerleading Increased

Athleticism Acceptance of the

female athlete Increased television

exposure Addition of

Gymnastics Involvement of

males in the activity

Three Levels of Cheer

Spirit Leaders Entertainment Competition

Developing the Safety program

Recognition Assessment Implementation Critical Observations

Developing the Safety ProgramASSESSMENT

What is the role of cheerleaders?

In what events will the squad participate?

What internal restrictions will effect the activities of the team?

Is the institution adequately prepared: Facilities Finances Staff

Assessment of students

Developing the Safety ProgramImplementation Safety information must be translated into

consistent practice. Safety must eventually move from a

conscious effort and reminder to unconscious behavior.

Developing the Safety Program

Critical Observations

Does the cheerleader have the physical talent to do the proposed activity safely?

Is the cheerleader sufficiently healthy and rested to do the proposed activity safely?

Is the cheerleader mentally focused on the activity to perform it safely?

Liability some considerations

Defense Duty, Duty of others Verification of Duty Informed consent Coach’s Journal

Liability some considerationsDefense Contributory, Comparative Negligence Sovereign Immunity Statute of Limitations

Liability some considerationsDuty, Duty of Others, Verification Contract Written Understanding Set Expectations for others

Assistants Spotters Volunteers

Liability some considerationsInformed consent Clear and Unambiguous Form accurately describes the activity and the

risk Chances and types of injury Parents/guardians must have same information

Pre-meeting is invaluable Release from Liability Signatures required before participation

Liability some considerationsCoach’s Journal Starts at the audition Valuable tool Can be used as evidence

Evidence for or against you Careful consideration should be taken

Medical Responsibilities

Prevention Physical readiness environment

Preparation Emergency Plan

Identification Familiarity with common injuries

Treatment and Rehab Accessing appropriate medical personnel

Medical Provisions

Pre-Participation evaluation

Personal Information (HIPPA)

Conditioning Wound Precautions

(BBP) Injury evaluations Post participation

evaluations

Catastrophic Injuries

Injures of a catastrophic nature can and may happen.

The response can make the difference in the outcome of an injury.

Staff members must be trained in Basic First Aid including CPR.

Safety Initiatives

Use of appropriate equipment and facilities

Physical Readiness Psychological Readiness Sequential educational process;

progressive skill development Incorporation of a feedback and concern

mechanism

Equipment

Clothing Accessories Shoes Spotting Belts Mats

Basic Landing Skill Cushions

Environmental Safety Factors

Facilities Size Walls Ceilings Floors and

surfaces General

Game Operations

Environmental Safety Factors Continued

Supervision The coach must be involved in the teams

activities The head coach is responsible for their

subordinates Evaluating practice and performance areas

for suitability of intended activities

Physical Readiness

Specificity Training Cardio-respiratory Strength Overtraining

Psychological Readiness

A good program helps participants Control anxiety Manage stress Improve relaxation

and concentration Psychological

readiness is two faceted Execution Performance

Nutritional Safety

Basic Nutritional Concepts

Weight Management

Eating Disorders Coaching

recommendations

Skill Progressions

Landings Tumbling Partner Stunts Extended Stunts Pyramids Elite Pyramids

Spotting

Tumbling Basic skills – forward

and backward rolls Intermediate –

Cartwheel, front handspring

Advanced – Back handsprings, series work

Partner stunts and pyramids Spotting Drills Catching

Feed Back and Concern

Participants must evaluate their own abilities

Fear can play a large role in injury Feedback from all participants in a stunt

is imperative

Conclusion

Cheerleading involves risk as do all sports. Controlling the risk through readiness supervision and strict regulations allows participants to develop their skills in a safer atmosphere.

Controlling the liability allows schools to offer the program without undo fear of litigation.