When it comes to modern cheerleading, today’s stunts are more spectacular than ever. But they’re also riskier. To help prevent injuries, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) recently enacted rules that limit the height of pyramids and other dangerous stunts for elementary, middle school and junior high squads. “The safety of young cheerleaders is of the utmost importance,” says AACCA President Mary Lord. “We urge all governing bodies of youth cheer to adopt these additional restrictions.”
The rules aren’t the only thing that help keep athletes safe. AACCA also offers a coach credentialing program that requires that coaches know the appropriate skill progressions and safety procedures. It also trains safety judges to enforce the rules during competitions.
AACCA’s rules were prompted by a surge of head and neck injuries in college and high school cheerleading. These injuries can be caused by everything from a simple miscalculation of a backflip to overly ambitious stunts that aren’t properly prepped.
Other safety precautions include a requirement that all stunts must be performed without the use of spotters, and that stunters wear helmets to protect them from injuries. AACCA’s rules also prohibit putting hands to the face during a routine, and they require that teams wear uniforms.
Athletes must be at practice and games on time or face punishment, including demerits and benching. Only a doctor’s note will be accepted for an excused absence from practice. If a cheerleader knows in advance that she will be absent from a game or competition, the coach must receive a written submission and board approval by a specified date in order for the absence to be considered excused and demerits waived.
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