This has been quite the week for cheerleading safety discussions! While physicians are set to discuss cheerleading’s status as a sport (and how to prevent injuries) at the major annual American Medical Association conference in Chicago, officials in Texas (the state often considered the capital of cheerleading) are taking action to prevent concussions amongst cheerleaders. The Interscholastic League, which creates the guidelines and rules for athletes in Texas public schools, voted to have cheerleading comply with state education code concerning the the prevention and treatment of concussions. This means that schools must create a cheerleading “oversight team,” which must make sure any cheerleader believed to have a concussion is removed from practice and competitions. The team must then follow protocol before the cheerleader can return to practicing and competing. Additionally, parents of cheerleaders must sign a concussion acknowledgement form and coaches will receive training concerning safety guidelines. This is great news for cheerleaders! Finally, officials are recognizing the dangers of cheer and the need for safety regulations to prevent injuries and concussions. News source: The Houston Chronicle What do you think about these new regulations? Is this a step in the right direction for cheerleading safety?
Texas is Cracking Down on Cheerleaders’ Safety
