March 16, 2023 — Resources
Give us an S-A-F-E-T-Y! What do we have?
March is Cheerleading Safety Month, and all of us here at Physicians Premier are cheering for your kids’ safety. Keep in mind these cheerleading safety tips to keep your superstar out of harm’s way at all times.
Since the early times, cheerleading has gone a long way, and today, it is a very demanding and competitive sport. Similar to other forms of sports, cheerleaders are vulnerable to sports injuries.
During the last decade, catastrophic injuries related to cheerleading have considerably declined. However, the number of emergency room visits for non-catastrophic cheerleading injuries has increased, including the following:
Ensure that the school cheerleading program has a certified coach managing it. In addition, there should be safety guidelines in place that should be strictly followed to preserve the well-being of the athletes. They include:
Although landing mats are not mandatory during performances or practice sessions, they are recommended.
A lot of injuries that are related to cheerleading happen during practice, so it is advisable to practice with the use of landing mats to avoid serious injuries from occurring. This is especially recommended when learning new maneuvers.
One of the most important factors in injury prevention is using the right footgear. Use rubber-soled shoes that are properly fitted and have ankle support and ample cushioning. Also, consider wearing a cheering vest to avoid injury and bruising.
Today, cheerleading involves gymnastics and advanced acrobatics, so choose your venue with care. Do not practice on uneven or wet surfaces such as turf or grass. Instead, practice on level, smooth, and dry areas which are free from obstacles.
Cheerleading is a sport that requires balance and a great deal of strength, so athletes should take extra care of their fitness and health all throughout the year.
Take time to rest in between training sessions to prevent injuries from muscle overuse.
Proper stretching techniques and warming exercises have been proven to prevent injuries and reduce muscle strain, and we cannot overemphasize how important these are. After-workout and cool-down exercises are equally important when it comes to injury prevention.
Parents as well as their coaches must ensure that their athletes are well-versed in basic skills before introducing more advanced stunts and movements.
All of us at Physicians Premier applaud the skill and level of commitment being a cheerleader entails, and we encourage athletes to improve their skills and challenge themselves. However, we also encourage everyone – parents, athletes, and coaches – to always keep cheerleading safety top of mind.
Sources:
“Cheerleading Injuries,” Children’s Hospital Colorado, https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/orthopedics/programs/sports-medicine-center/sports-injuries-we-treat/cheerleading/
“Cheerleading,” American Academy of Pediatrics, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Cheerleading.aspx
“Cheerleading Injuries and How to Prevent Them,” University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, https://www.upmc.com/services/sports-medicine/for-athletes/cheerleading