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Cheer coaches are the first line of defense where safety is concerned; however, coaches should encourage cheerleaders to take responsibility for their own safety, too. Regardless of the age of the cheerleader, he or she can be taught and encouraged to take responsibility for his or her progress, health, and safety.
Cheerleaders should know the rules for the type of cheerleading in which they participate. Coaches, take time to teach the rules, levels, and progressions for the skills and abilities of the cheerleaders you coach. This helps cheerleaders understand why the basics must be mastered before progressing forward and fosters the value of training and knowledge.
Cheerleaders should not practice without a coach present. In their excitement and enthusiasm about cheerleading, cheerleaders might think practicing stunts at someone's home or elsewhere outside of team practice would be a good idea. Cheerleaders should know that practicing without a coach is not allowed as it is not safe.
Cheerleaders should always be aware of the cheer environment. Check as your coach does that your practice area is safe and free from obstructions or hazards. Be sure your stunt group is healthy, knowledgeable about the stunt, and ready to give their best.
Cheerleaders should fully understand their roles in each stunt and pyramid in which they participate. They should be able to explain to their coach exactly what their role is and how they are to perform the skill. They should also have a working knowledge of the roles of the other stunt/pyramid participants.
Cheerleaders should be encouraged to ask questions. Good coaches know this and build a learning climate that encourages questions. Coaches are essentially teachers. Many questions open the way for clarification of details about stunt elements, rule interpretations, and program management.
Cheerleaders must be encouraged to report their injuries. Whether it is a new injury or a re-injury, cheerleaders must know it is their job to report these to the coach. Cheerleaders may feel that reporting injuries will be a detriment to the team, but their individual health is most important. Hiding injuries will hurt the individual and the team.
Cheerleaders should condition as other athletes. Strong bodies make strong athletes. Skimping on conditioning, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep can impact the health and safety of the individual cheerleader and the team.
Cheerleaders should continue their cheerleading education by paying attention at camp and attending workshops. Encourage attendance at state conferences or workshops that include sessions for cheerleaders.
These practices are already in place at many schools, gyms, and recreation squads. Cheerleaders can be taught to make safety a priority.
For more information on NCSSE, visit their website at www.spiritsafety.com
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