With the right supervision, staffing and support, cheer programs can help kids build leadership, strength and team skills while minimizing injury risk. Parents and families can help by making these basic prevention steps part of every young athlete's routine.
Here are American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for parents, caregivers, and families on how to ensure cheer and spirit programs are safe and successful.
10 key points to maximize safety (and fun!) in cheer
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School-based cheer programs in all 50 states should be overseen by state associations and school athletic departments. (As of 2024, just over half of states track cheer programs and sets safety, coaching and equipment standards.)
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Cheer coaches should be trained and certified in safety techniques, especially spotting. This ensures safety and provide physical support for partner stunts and other advanced moves.
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Cheer programs should consider the age and skill level of participants before introducing new techniques so all can participate safely.
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Cheer stunts, skills and events should never take place on concrete, asphalt, dirt, vinyl floors or surfaces that are wet or uneven. Safe surfaces reduce the chances that athletes will get hurt.
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Pyramids should not go above the height of two participants, and spotters should always be present to steady kids during flying moves or dismounts.
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Written emergency action plans should explain exactly what will happen if a cheer athlete gets hurt. Every school, gym, coach, athlete, and family should have a copy of the plan and know what to do in an emergency.
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Kids should have a preparticipation physical exam before starting cheer or spirit programs so that doctors can open a family conversation about risks, benefits, and safety.
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Cheer events should be in venues that comply with safety rules set by USA Cheer (
https://usacheer.org/ ), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS;https://www.nfhs.org/ ) or the U.S. All-Star Federation (https://www.usasf.net/ ). -
Coaches, athletes, parents, and others in cheer programs should learn the signs and symptoms of concussion and how to seek care for athletes. Athletes with concussions or other serious injuries should not return to cheer until they have received clearance from a medical professional.
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Kids with disabilities can do cheer, too! Parents and athletes can learn more about getting involved from ParaCheer International (
https://www.paracheer.org/ ) and USA Cheer (https://usacheer.org/inclusion-opportunities-in-cheer ).
Supporting general health & wellness
It is also important to help prevent other risks to health and well-being that cheer athletes may face.
Promoting positive body image & healthy nutrition
Cheer athletes have sometimes felt pressure to have a certain physical appearance. This can raise their risk for negative body image. In addition to affecting mental health, this pressure can lead to not eating enough. Poor nutrition and too few calories can affect bone strength and interfere with a healthy menstrual cycle.
Participants, parents, and coaches can help reduce these risks. Avoid language that suggests participants should conform to a specific body type, for example, and choose uniforms that are inclusive for all body shapes and sizes.
Preventing abuse & misconduct in cheer
Cheer programs must be safe, supportive, encouraging places for all kids. The U.S. Center for SafeSport (
Coaches, trainers, and parents can find free online courses and other tools through USA Cheer, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the U.S Center for SafeSport.
Visit
Disclaimer
Source: Adapted from the
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.