- Cheerleading squads should be placed under the direction of a qualified and knowledgeable advisor or coach.
- All practice sessions should be supervised by the advisor/coach and held in a location suitable for the activities of cheerleaders (e.g., use of appropriate matting, away from excessive noise and distractions, etc.)
- Prior to the performance of any skill, the immediate environment for the activity should be taken into consideration including, but not limited to proximity of non-squad personnel, performance surface, lighting and/or precipitation. Technical skills should not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions.
- Advisors/coaches should recognize the particular ability level of all participants and should limit the squad’s activities accordingly. Participants should not be pressed to perform activities until they are safely prepared.
- Skills that have not been mastered should be performed only in a supervised practice environment.
- Thorough training in proper spotting techniques should be mandatory for all squads.
- All cheerleaders should receive proper training before attempting any form of cheerleading gymnastics (tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids and jumps).
- All cheerleading squads should adopt a comprehensive conditioning and strength building program.
- An appropriate warm-up exercise should precede all cheerleading activities.
- All programs should qualify cheerleaders according to accepted teaching progressions. Appropriate spotting should be used until all performers demonstrate mastery of the skill, and when spotting is required by specific rule.
- In environments where there is close proximity to the athletic event and out of bounds plays pose a significant risk of injury to the participant, no technical skills should be performed while the ball is in play.
- All partner stunts, pyramids, and tosses should be reviewed and approved by the coach prior to execution.
Recent Comments