Cheerleading Safety

1
Cheerleading Safety

• Michelle Kelly, ARM, CPSI
• Sr. Consultant, Risk Services
• Poms Associates

2
Changing Face of Cheerleading

• Increased Athleticism
• Acceptance of the female athlete
• Increased television exposure
• Addition of Gymnastics
• Involvement of males in the activity

3
Three Levels of Cheer

• Spirit Leaders
• Entertainment
• Competition

4
Developing the Safety program

• Recognition
• Assessment
• Implementation
• Critical Observations

5
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

6
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.

7
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?

8
Liability some considerations

• Defense
• Duty, Duty of others
• Verification of Duty
• Informed consent
• Coachs Journal

9
Liability some considerations

• Defense
• Contributory, Comparative Negligence
• Sovereign Immunity
• Statute of Limitations

10
Liability some considerations

• Duty, Duty of Others, Verification
• Contract
• Written Understanding
• Set Expectations for others
• Assistants
• Spotters
• Volunteers

11
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

12
Liability some considerations

• Coachs Journal
• Starts at the audition
• Valuable tool
• Can be used as evidence
• Evidence for or against you
• Careful consideration should be taken

13
Medical Responsibilities

• Prevention
• Physical readiness
• environment
• Preparation
• Emergency Plan
• Identification
• Familiarity with common injuries
• Treatment and Rehab
• Accessing appropriate medical personnel

14
Medical Provisions

• Pre-Participation evaluation
• Personal Information (HIPPA)
• Conditioning
• Wound Precautions (BBP)
• Injury evaluations
• Post participation evaluations

15
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.

16
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

17
Equipment

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Shoes
• Spotting Belts
• Mats
• Basic
• Landing
• Skill Cushions

18
Environmental Safety Factors

• Facilities
• Size
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors and surfaces
• General
• Game Operations

19
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

20
Physical Readiness

• Specificity
• Training
• Cardio-respiratory
• Strength
• Overtraining

21
Psychological Readiness

• A good program helps participants
• Control anxiety
• Manage stress
• Improve relaxation and concentration
• Psychological readiness is two faceted
• Execution
• Performance

22
Nutritional Safety

• Basic Nutritional Concepts
• Weight Management
• Eating Disorders
• Coaching recommendations

23
Skill Progressions

• Landings
• Tumbling
• Partner Stunts
• Extended Stunts
• Pyramids
• Elite Pyramids

24
Spotting

• Tumbling
• Basic skills forward and backward rolls
• Intermediate Cartwheel, front handspring
• Advanced Back handsprings, series work
• Partner stunts and pyramids
• Spotting Drills
• Catching

25
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

26
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.