CHEERLEADING SAFETY Michelle 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 Program ASSESSMENT  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 Program Implementation  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 considerations Defense  Contributory, Comparative Negligence  Sovereign Immunity  Statute of Limitations

Liability some considerations Duty, Duty of Others, Verification  Contract  Written Understanding  Set Expectations for others  Assistants  Spotters  Volunteers

Liability some considerations Informed 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 considerations Coach’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.