March is Cheerleading Safety Month!

Take Time to Evaluate the Safety of your Cheerleading Program
Jim Lord, AACCA director

Of course, cheerleading safety should be practiced any time cheerleading is being performed, but March - Cheerleading Safety Month - provides the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on cheerleading safety.
March often marks the winding down of basketball season and with it most school cheerleading will also come to an end. Soon, tryouts for the next season will take place, giving coaches the opportunity to implement their safety programs for a new team.

There are four groups directly responsible for the safety of the cheerleader - the administration, the coaches, the cheerleaders themselves, and the cheerleaders' parents. Each can use this month to focus on cheerleading safety and enhance safety in their programs.

Administrators, are you involved in your cheer program? Make sure you have selected a qualified coach to supervise the team and give them sufficient support. At a minimum, the coach should complete the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators safety course. Coaches should also take advantage of any other training available, such as training provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations or the US All Star Federation. They should be encouraged to attend camps, clinics and coaching conferences in order to further their knowledge of skill techniques. As an administrator, you should make sure your program has adequate practice facilities and matting and that the coach is following the safety rules.

Coaches, are you fully aware of your responsibilities with regard to safety? You should make sure your cheerleaders are using proper skill progressions. Don't pressure your cheerleaders to try skills they are not ready to attempt. You or someone at practice, such as a coach's assistant, should be CPR certified and trained in basic first aid. Make sure that you are following recognized safety rules and practices (AACCA, NFHS or USASF) outlined for your program. Develop and practice an emergency plan in the event a serious injury occurs.

Cheerleaders, you too have a responsibility for your own safety. If you feel scared about a particular stunt or tumbling skill, voice your concerns to your coach or parent. Take stunting very seriously, and stay focused on the skill and your part in it until it is safely completed. Practice good health and fitness habits so you can perform to the best of your ability. Remember, others are relying on you to be at your best during every performance.

Parents, use your voice! Know the safety rules, and If you find that standard practices aren't being employed, bring it to the attention of the coach. If that does'’t resolve the matter, do not hesitate to take your concerns to the administration. Ultimately, if you feel that your child's safety is being compromised, take the difficult step of removing them from the program.

Cheerleading can be a safe and healthy activity when it is properly supervised. Let's use this month of awareness to make sure we are all doing our part!

Visit AACCA.org for more information.

NCA & AACCA

NCA is a member of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, a non-profit educational association for the over 70,000 cheerleading coaches across the United States. Founded in 1988, AACCA is the recognized standard of care for all cheerleading activities.

NCA is dedicated to the safe and responsible practice of cheerleading, and all NCA Instructors are AACCA Safety Certified and use the AACCA Safety Manual as a teaching guide and resource. NCA also implements the AACCA safety guidelines at camps and competitions and encourages all coaches to become AACCA Safety-Certified.

AACCA certification is available in all 50 states by taking the accredited 4 hour course and, upon completion, remains in effect for 4 years. Over 20,000 coaches have been AACCA certified since 2000. On the high school level, AACCA certification is already a requirement to complete the Bronze Level NFHS Spirit Coaches Education Program.

Go to www.aacca.org for more information and to sign up to receive convenient email certification updates. Youll find the latest on upcoming conferences, certifications, and safety news and updates.

The NCA Camp Management Team

The NCA Camp Management Team is made up of Camp Managers and First Aid Staff that are scheduled at NCA managed camps to ensure the safety and security of all participants and coaches attending camp.

Always on call, the Camp Management Team is responsible for general safety and security at camp. They conduct Camp Registration in order to collect and organize team paperwork. They work with campus personnel to ensure all safety procedures are followed, and they enforce all camp and facilities rules. At NCA resident managed camps, they conduct nightly bed checks of all participants.

The Camp Management Team in conjunction with the NCA Staff also assists in the prevention of injuries by inspecting facilities and/or fields for potential hazards and keeping a close watch on the weather for extreme heat, lightning, or other environmental factors.

The Camp Management Team offers 24-hour care, and they are available at any time to assist the participants and coaches at camp. Safety is the highest priority at NCA camp, and these individuals are instrumental in providing uncompromising care to all who attend.