Safe Cheerleaders Are Successful Cheerleaders: Tips On Keeping Your Team Safe
Cheerleading is a great way to get in shape and have fun. Unfortunately, cheerleading can also be very dangerous sport and cheerleaders who are unprepared can face many hazards. As the coach, it’s important that you actively participate in the ensuring the teams safety. Making sure your team is safe will help carry the entire squad through a successful and injury free season. Here are some tips to help keep your cheerleaders out of harm’s way.
One of the leading causes of injury in cheerleading is a lack of conditioning. Since cheerleading as a sport requires very strenuous movement, if your team is not in shape prior to learning and performing stunts and routines, there is a good chance they will incur injuries. A good way to work towards the health of your team is to start a physical training regiment over the summer before football season kicks off. This allows for plenty of time to build the strength and endurance they will need for a safe and successful season.
As the coach you are responsible for leading the girls through their routines and stunts in a safe and responsible manner. In order to make sure each member of your team is safe, it’s best to start with beginner level stunts and progressing into more complicated ones. Never immediately teach complicated stunt before being confident that each cheerleader is able to perform more basic stunts successfully.
It’s imperative that you are up to date with all training methods, as well as all the rules and regulations that your team may have to abide by. Being an educated leader and enforcing rules and regulations that ensure team safety is extremely important. Why you may not personally agree with every rule your team must follow, you must assume that they are there to promote safety. Not acting accordingly can become very hazardous for your squad as well as you, the acting coach. It is also your responsibility to make sure that all members of your team are well informed of these rules and regulations.
Make sure that all members of your team are supervised by yourself or a suitable replacement at all times. Never allow your team to practice or perform alone. While the members of your team may be very proficient it’s important to assume that if something can go wrong it will and you will be held responsible especially if you are not there.
Before allowing members of your team to take part in any practice or performance, make sure all members are well equipped and dressed accordingly. This includes making sure everyone is wearing the correct footwear and has removed clothing or accessories they may be harmful during stunts or cheers.
Be aware of any physical conditions that may hinder a cheerleader’s ability to perform safely. If a member of the squad is injured and has to seek medical attention, it’s a good idea to require written proof that he or she is allowed to participate in cheer activities. Do not let a cheerleader take part in an activity until they are approved by the doctor or trainer. If there are any members of your team that need to wear supportive gear such as a knee brace or ankle support, be sure to require them to wear it in order to participate.
It’s also very important to be able to recognize physical or emotional problems that a member of the squad may encounter. In particular, it’s imperative that you monitor the team for any signs of eating disorders that can be hazardous to their participation in cheerleading as well as in their everyday life. This is not something to be taken lightly and must immediately be reported to a school official and or their guardians
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