During cheerleading competition season, many cheer teams travel to an event destination. Some travel locally and are able to drive, but others need to make arrangements for air travel. Local competitions allow teams to return home, but other competitions require overnight stays at hotels. No matter what circumstances your competition season holds, use these tips to make sure that you take some time to focus on safety. On The Road Wear your seat belt at all times when the vehicle is in motion. If you are on a bus, stay seated in one spot – don’t keep switching seats to visit other team members. After any stop, the coach should do a role call before hitting the road again. This will help make sure that every team member and chaperone is back on the bus and that no one gets left behind. Your bus should be equipped with a first aid kit and a safety kit. Check for these before you get on the road, and have your own kits prepared to bring just in case the bus does not have them. Monitor the driver’s awareness, reaction time and health. For long trips, there should be more than one driver, and no one should drive for more than 4 hours at a time. Most people use electronics for directions these days, but be prepared for anything by bringing a good old fashioned map and printed directions as backup. In The Air Use luggage tags that clearly display your contact information in case it is lost or misplaced. Try to add some flare to your bag so it stands out, like a cheer keychain or ribbon – especially if your cheerleading squad is traveling with the same team bag! Be aware of the current airline rules, including weight limits on checked baggage and restrictions for carry on items. Pay attention to the in flight briefing on safety and exits. This is a presentation that the flight attendants do before take off, and it covers the location of exits, how to use your seat belt and what to do in case of an emergency. Obey the captain and flight attendants’ instructions while in the air. They will let you know when you need to stay seated and when your seat belt should be fastened. At all times, you should avoid blocking the aisles. At The Hotel Don’t answer the door for anyone you don’t know. If they claim to be a hotel employee but you are not expecting a delivery or room service, call the front desk to verify the person’s identity before opening the door. Try not to walk around with bare feet. There could be broken glass or other dangerous items on the ground that could injure you. You don’t want to have sore feet for a competition! Hotels are public places with a lot of foot traffic and having bare feet could make you vulnerable to catching a foot fungus. Double check that you have your room key before leaving the room, and take all of your valuables with you when the room is going to be empty. Under no circumstance should you practice any cheer stunting in or around the pool area. Period. It will be tempting, and you may see other teams doing it, but it isn’t worth the risk. At The Competition Stay in a group as much as possible when traveling and when you are onsite at the competition. Use the buddy system, where 2 or more people are assigned to keep track of each other. Be sure to check the weather report for the area that you are traveling to so you can be prepared. If there is bad weather expected where you are staying, make sure that everyone is aware of the emergency plan for the area and for the team. Make sure that there are enough chaperones to efficiently keep an eye on the team. It may mean that you have to do plan to do some fundraising to cover their costs, but it is worth it to keep everyone comfortable and safe. How does your team stay safe during competition travel? Share your tips with our readers in the comments section!
Cheerleaders and the
cheerleading uniform are one of the most icon images across all forms of pop culture. One place where cheerleading is often mention and used as a visual is in music. In songs, the “cheerleader’ is sometimes the villain – a girl that is “perfect’, shallow, materialistic or snobby. This isn’t always the case though! Cheerleading is used in music videos to represent great dance and
cheer choreography, and even to represent a large social group.Here is a list of some of the most recent, and some of our favorite, cheerleading references in music:
Cheerleading in Music
Gwen Stefani, “Hollaback Girl”, 2005
This video has a high school theme – and even includes cameos from several local (Orange County, CA) cheerleading, marching band, pep flag and drill teams! In the video, Gwen and her dancers wear
cheerleading uniforms and even perform some
cheerleading stunts. They even use cheerleading signs to spell out the word “bananas”. Gwen’s video was nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards, and took home the honors for Best Choreography.Toni Basil, “Hey, Mickey”, 1982
The video features Toni Basil and some dancers performing in cheerleading uniforms and is one of the most iconic in
music history! It is spoofed, sampled and referenced across all pop culture outlets – from
television shows to movies to other music.Taylor Swift, “You Belong With Me”, 2009
In this video, Taylor Swift plays two high-school aged characters: the shy girl and the popular cheerleader. The popular
cheerleader character is represented as a popular, and mean, girl that does not appreciate her boyfriend. Taylor also references the difference of high school social circles with the lyrics: she’s
cheer captain I’m on the bleacher. The song was nominated for several Grammy awards, Kid’s Choice awards and Country Music Awards.Madonna, “Give Me All Your Luvin'”, 2012
Madonna performed at the 2012 Superbowl, and the (then-upcoming) gig inspired the video for this song! The video features M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj
dressed up as cheerleaders and leading a group bazaar, mask-wearing cheerleaders…we’re guessing this was just an artistic choice! Madonna’s Superbowl performance also featured cheerleaders!What did we leave out? Which songs and music videos that feature cheerleading are your favorite?
Impress Cheerleading Judges
The day of your
cheerleading competition is the most anticipated event of the year. After investing countless days, weeks and months on long, grueling cheer practices and conditioning for a three minute show, you want to make sure your squad is ready to compete.We have compiled an extensive list of tips to help you prepare for that emotionally-exhilarating competition day you’ve worked so long and hard for. Our list covers everything you’ll need to know, from the first day of choreography, to that final moment when your feet finally hit the blue mat.
Here is a basic list of what judges look for in a cheerleading competition:
- Jumps: a high number of jumps aren’t always a good thing. Judges are looking for quality over quantity. Meaning placements, execution and poise of the movement are everything. Most of all, POINT THOSE TOES!
- Timing: Judges pay close attention to timing and rhythm of the moves, jumps and dance routine. Smooth transitions from dance routines, to stunting, to the cheer, itself, are very important as well.
- Choreography: Judges will give extra points for originality and amplitude of movements. All movements must be crisp and everyone must look like they are in sync with the performance. Also, make sure to choose exciting music that will pump up the crowd.
- Cheer: Judges are listening for loud and enthusiastic voices that are clear. Don’t slur or mispronounce. Make sure the content of your cheer is appropriate, as well.
- Spirit: Judges want to see if you make a connection with the crowd. They want to see the crowd react to your performance and your cheer. Keep eye contact, smile, and make enthusiastic facial expressions. Another note: no one on your squad should be yelling, “Whoooo!” Instead, use mascots, the school name or initials, or school colors in your efforts to boost crowd participation.
- Tumbling: Judges look for the number and execution of tumbling moves. Not just that, but they look for complexity of the combination of back somersaults, handsprings, cartwheels, dive rolls, splits, and tumbles that make the routine stand out.
- Stunts: Judges look for creativity, difficulty, and how solid the team is when performing the stunts.
- Overall Appearance: Your squad’s cheerleading uniforms should all be clean and fit correctly. Hair and makeup must also be uniformly styled. It’s important to apply more makeup than you generally would on a day-to-day basis.
Cheerleading judges want your squad’s performance to be full of confidence. By remembering to focus on things like facial expressions (that reflect you’re interested in what you’re doing), enthusiastic smiles and eye contact will all help you out with competition judges.
Once you’ve got the basic guidelines for what to do and not to do, it’s time to impress the judges!
Now, from the top:
Make the beginning of your routine memorable. Whether it’s a music cue or your entire team starting with a standing tumble, make it as unique as possible.Be careful of awkward silent moments between your dance and cheer routines. Be sure to make the cheer portion of the performance engaging for the audience and focus on creating an “interactive” experience your squad can share with spectators. One of the most powerful ways to involve the crowd during your routine is through body language. Using signs, banners, flags, hand gestures and anything else that may pull the crowd into your cheer will only positively impact your team’s score.
Perhaps most importantly, make sure your team’s performance looks polished and effortless! Details are one of the most important elements of your squad’s routine and it’s important to make sure everyone is smiling. Additionally, make sure your team’s crazy three minute, high-cardio routine is full of flips and tricks that look effortless. Easy right?
On Competition Day:
On competition day, make sure every member of your squad removes their nail polish and/or jewelry. Since
cheerleading competitions are oftentimes judged on visual elements and generally take place during winter, applying a light-colored self-tanner to skin may be necessary. Applying a lotion self-tanner a week in advance will also help you avoid potential fake-looking orange coloration.For the hair, have it pulled back as tightly as possible. Putting hair up in a bun or tight curls are great for teams with long hair. Make sure there is no loose hair around the face
‚ judges want to see expressions and will deduct points if facial expressions are hidden by hair. Make sure uniforms are ironed the night before and shoes and socks are washed and white as possible.For team
make up, make sure it is worn heavier than usual as the judges will be sitting at a distance. Use
dramatic mascara and eye makeup to play up the eyes, heavy powder to combat shine, blush for facial contour and
lipstick in a dark pink or red to play up big smiles.From start to finish, here’s everything you need to succeed and come out number one for the competition season. So get out there, have fun, and compete your hearts out! This will be one of the most memorable times for your team. Most of all, good luck! Hope to see you at nationals!
Your teammates know you better than anyone else. They not only see you at your very best and worst, but they are right there with you, being at their very best and worst. You win, lose, sweat, laugh, cry, scream, dance, and dream together. Most of all, you eat, sleep, and breathe cheer together. So basically, your cheer squad is your soul mate. Here are 10 reasons why:
- They like all the same things you do. Well, just the one thing really. What else is there?
- You are obsessed with the same things: cheer accessories! You all collect cheer bows and then discuss how to best organize and display them‚ VERY important conversations that non-soul mates would not understand.
(Source: Instagram) - You speak the same language. No one else really makes sense.
(Source: Tumblr.com) - You enjoy
romantic walksamazing stunts on the beach. Is it technically a beach trip if you don’t snap a stunting pic? No, no it is not. Your soul mates know this. They understand.
(Source: Pinterest.com) - They don’t think you are crazy when you start stretching during every spare moment.
(Source: Giphy.com) - They have the same schedule as you, and thus are really the only people you will be seeing or speaking with during peak cheer season anyway.
(Source: Pinterest.com) - They share your core beliefs.
(Source: Pinterest.com) - They always, always, always have your back. No matter what.
- They don’t get mad at you over stupid things.
(Source: Tumblr.com) - They love you the way only your cheer teammates can!
Are your teammates your soul mates? Tell us why in the comments!
- They like all the same things you do. Well, just the one thing really. What else is there?
Get to know the models for the Spring 2012 Lineup from
cheerleading company Chasse! Their newest cheer fashions are now available for purchase exclusively through
Omni Cheer and
Campus Teamwear.Watch for more ‘Meet The Models’ spotlights coming soon!
ALENA (model, athlete)
Age: 10
Tennis player and swimmerWhat do you like to do in your spare time? Hang out with friends!
What is your favorite snack? Popcorn and iced tea.
Favorite…
Movie: Dolphin Tale
Book: Monster High
CASSIDY (dancer, beauty queen, model)
Age: 17
Former cheerleader, current dancer and reigning Miss Greater San Diego Teen USAWhat position were you when you were a cheerleader? I was a flyer. I loved trying new stunts!
What are your “must-have” makeup bag items? Chapstick or lipgloss, powder and blush.
What are 3 songs on your iPod playlist right now? The One That Got Away by Katy Perry, Starry Eyed by Ellie Goulding and Countdown by Beyonce.
Favorite…
Color: Pink
Store: Pac Sun
ALYSSA (student, athlete, model)
Age: 14
Loves the beach!What do you like to do for fun? Play soccer, model and swim.
What is your favorite snack? Peanut butter cups.
Favorite…
Actress: Cameron Diaz
Color: Pink
Store: Tilly’s and Nordstroms
ALEXANDRA (model, student, athlete)
Age: 16
Has been a vegetarian for 6 yearsWho do you look up to? Selena Gomez. She remembers where she came from and keeps her morals.
Who are your top 3 style icons? Angelina Joile, Natalie Pormane and Jennifer Aniston.
Favorite…
Book: The Hunger Games
Movie: Finding NemoWhat advise do you have for our readers? Be yourself! It’s okay to be weird, and sometimes it makes people like you more!
ALEXIS (student, model, horseback rider)
Age: 15
Has been riding horses for 10 years!What do you like to do in your spare time? Get together with my friends and ride horses!
What is your go-to snack when you have a sweet tooth? Butterfinger ice cream.
Favorite…
Color: Orange
Store: ZumiezWhat advise do you have for our readers? Take opportunities, because they won’t always be available!
Cheerleaders and pom-poms go together like milk and cookies. This is pretty much a scientifically-proven fact. Poms are bright and fun, just like the cheerleaders who use them, so they should be as much a staple of competition routines as they are for sideline cheers. Here are five ways to incorporate poms seamlessly into a competition routine.
1. Spell Your Team Name.
This move requires practice, but looks amazing once the squad gets it down. Spell out a school abbreviation (such as “MHS “) or mascot using your poms. Have half of the squad kneel in a row while the other half stands behind them. The front row handles the bottom half of the letters while the back row handles the top. To spell out your letters, everyone should put their arms straight out wherever they need to be to form a giant letter in front of the squad. This may mean a few diagonal arms or squishing closer together to get the letters looking just right.In a cheer, this can be slowed down a bit, with everyone shaking their poms at each letter for effect; it also works well with the “Give me a (letter) ” sideline cheer to get the crowd going, so you’ll be able to practice a lot. You can also time it to your music, but be wary not to make the timing too fast or it may be difficult to form readable letters. If your poms are a stark contrast to your uniforms, your letters will jump out even more. This move works best with small poms that will make crisper lines, rather than fluffy poms that may overlap.
2.
Pom-pom Wave.
In a line across the mat or in clusters, create a pom-pom wave by having every cheerleader strike a motion in quick succession. Doing a traditional “wave ” with a fluid rise and fall of arms is fun as well‚ so long as you keep it clean. Poms draw the eye to your hands, so if the squad performs an extended motion across the mat, it creates an appealing sense of movement and grandeur. This move relies on speed and works best choreographed to music.
3. Flyer or Tumbler Poms.Much like holding up signs, cardboard letters, etc., flyers can hold up poms for a little extra pop in stunts. This looks especially nice when incorporated into cheers where fliers can perform motions. If some of your squad is not part of the stunt group and is transitioning to their next positions, the added attractiveness of poms will hold more of the audience’s attention, giving other cheerleaders some flexibility in getting to their spots.
Some cheerleaders can tumble while holding poms, but where free hands are optimum for this part of routines, it’s certainly not expected. It can mess up hand placement or hurt the hands, so put safety first. Poms look best with simple tumbling. If your squad has fewer tumblers or less tumbling skills overall, consider including poms to pump it up. Have four or five cheerleaders with poms line up in a single-file row, and either cartwheel or do a standing roundoff at the same time or in quick succession. The arc of the poms will add appeal to simple stunting and create a greater sense of motion. Have a strong tumbler perform a complicated pass down the center of the “aisle’ the pom tumblers create; even without tucks and layouts, the pom tumblers have the ability to make the tumbling section that much more unique and fun to watch.
4.
Non-stunting Poms.
While stunt groups or pyramids are going up in the background, have cheerleaders in front performing motions or dancing with poms. This gives the routine levels while keeping both parts interesting. A stunt in the background with motions or dance in the front looks fine, but the poms separate the non-stunting cheerleaders and give them an element of interest to keep spectators and judges watching them as well as the flyers appearing in the sky behind them.
5.
Finale Poms.
When you’re ready to move into a new, pom-less part of your routine, what do you do with the poms? Toss “em! When transitioning from one section to the next, such as going from cheer to dance, make removing your props part of the routine. Toss your poms off the mat when you swing your arms back running into a tumbling pass, or have flyers drop their poms to spots to move out of the way while flyers come down from their stunts.If you’ve incorporated poms into the last part of your routine, consider throwing them up in the air or out towards the crowd as your finishing move. Think of it like graduates throwing their caps in the air. Be careful not to hit other squads, judges, or spectators (which is why throwing upwards and slightly forward is best). For added impact, have the last sound effect in your music be something fun, like a firework explosion.
Poms must be included in competition routines carefully. Stepping on them costs points from the judges, and if not enough practice goes into their use, they can draw attention to sloppy motions or missed timing. However, poms have great payoff in presentation and an added pop of excitement in routines. Many squads don’t include poms on the mat, which is a real shame, but it only makes the squad that does use poms stand out more.How do you use your poms? Tell us your spirit tips in the comments below!
In Dinwiddie, Virginia, Kayla Allen is
an inspiring cheerleader to her mother, team, school, and community. However, her journey wasn’t simple. Kayla has been a cheerleader her whole life but for the last few years, she’s had to overcome a major hurdle. In third grade, Kayla was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which eventually took away her ability to walk, forcing her to put cheer on hold and to adjust to her new life on a scooter. Still determined to cheer, Kayla tried out for several squads but was left devastated when her number was missing from all team rosters.Yet even that couldn’t stop Kayla. In ninth grade,
she tried out for her high school squad, her confidence never wavering even as she watched other girls performing tumbles and tucks. During tryouts, Kayla and her mother Celestine Jackson informed the coaches Kae Partin and Brandi Atkins of her disability, but that wasn’t a problem and the coaches told Kayla that they don’t discriminate. In fact, Kayla’s confidence and determination struck such a chord in the coaches that Kayla made the varsity squad!Kayla rides on her scooter to
cheer practice and is treated like any other teammate. She works hard, performing cheers from her scooter. Coach Partin told the newspaper Progress-Index that at first, Kayla was hesitant about getting on the mat with her scooter. When everyone encouraged her to join the team on the mat, she did and is now truly one of the team.Kayla’s teammates all treat Kayla like one of their own and Partin says Kayla has had a positive influence on the team, telling the newspaper, “she brings a deeper purpose to the team. It forces the team and the coaches to always recognize the needs of others around you. Typically, this is an age group that is more focused on themselves. But it has opened up their eyes to focus on others as well.”
In reference to Kayla’s cheerleading talents, Partin adds, “She has an incredible spirit. Being part of a public school, it is far more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. There is pride behind saying I am a Dinwiddie General. And she has it.”
Kayla is an inspiring cheerleader and proof that cheerleading isn’t just about tumbles and stunts. A true cheerleader embodies the
cheer spirit and is passionate and dedicated to her sport. We’re also inspired by the entire Dinwiddie High School squad and coaches that embrace Kayla as one of their own.News Source:
Progress-Index
Does Kayla’s story inspire you? How does your squad live the cheer spirit?What would a
cheer season be without its traditions? Ok, it would still be amazing, but having traditions helps bring a school, community and team together! However a tradition might get its start, one of the responsibilities of a cheerleading team is to carry those traditions on, and teach them to new members of the team. Some traditions are wild, like face and body painting, and some focus on a certain group of the community, like graduating seniors or retiring teachers; but the
hidden benefits of cheerleading traditions make the time and effort well worth while!Here are some real
cheerleading team‘s traditions, submitted by our readers. Check them out, get inspired and share them with your squad!Cipriana
North Pole Patriots HS and AYF teams
AlaskaAt
cheer camp one year my squad and I learned something called Little Sally Walker. Immediately we all loved it! so we took it to our cheerleading practices and did it everyday at the end of practice. I think we all really liked it because it was such a
great way for the team to bond with everyone. Its great; there’s laughing and singing and dancing! I’m not part of that squad anymore because I have moved but next year I hope to bring the same tradition to them because it just such a fun great thing to do! I hope to keep this tradition.Wondering what the Little Sally Walker is? Check out this video!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktfm3WjpqhQ&feature=related[/youtube]Rebekah
Washington Academy Raiders
MaineFor Valentine’s Day my squad makes homemade Valentine’s & purchases carnations for the elderly at two local assisted living places in our community & for Christmas, the squad makes homemade Christmas tree ornaments & signs Christmas cards to deliver to the residents at the same two assisted living centers. After the cheerleaders pass out and visit with the residents they perform all their cheers in the community room. This brings our squad closer because of the joy & cheer we bring to the residents! We are the only squad in our county that does this for the elderly!
Amanda
BFA cheerleading
VermontSince we hail from the maple capital of the world, on
competition days the entire team gets together for breakfast. Everyone gets a small cup of locally produced Vermont maple syrup to put on his or her food. The maple syrup helps the team to “stick their stunts.”Jesse
Stamford Collegiate Secondary
Ontario CanadaI may not cheer for an all-star team, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else besides my high school team. My high school team is limited coed level 3 and we came in first both regional and provincials last year and we hope to take the title again this year and proceed to Nationals. Like most all-star teams, they practice till the end of their season and restart again in the next couple of weeks. After our season, we have one week off, then here we go,
cheerleading team tryouts again and we practice all through the summer season. Best of luck to my team and our showcase next month, provincial champs one more time!Loving these traditions? Let us know in the comments!
Does your cheerleading team have a great tradition, or have they found a unique way to updated an old tradition? Share your story in our comments!
Get to know the models for the Spring 2012 Lineup from
cheerleading company Chasse! Their newest cheer fashions are now available for purchase exclusively through
Omni Cheer and
Campus Teamwear.Don’t forget to check out all of the
‘Meet The Models’ spotlights!
AMERICA (student, model, athlete)
Age: 16
Loves running long distancesWhat do you like to do in your spare time? I like to spend time with my friends and play sports.
Favorite…
Movie: Nightmare Before Christmas
Color: Purple
Favorite Store: H&M
JAYDEN (student, athlete, model)
Age: 11
Loves to draw, and play soccer and softballWho inspires you the most? My mom! She is hardworking and loving!
What are 3 songs on your iPod playlist right now? The One That Got Away by Katy Perry, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae and Love You Like A Love Song by Selena Gomez.
Favorite…
Book: Also Known As Harper
Actress: Selena Gomez
CHRISTINA (student, model, musician)
Age: 16
Plays the piano and the French hornWho are your top 3 style icons? Selena Gomez, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.
What is your favorite exercise? Lunges and squats.
Favorite…
Book: How To Kill A Mockingbird
Color: Green
Store: Forever 21What advise do you have for our readers? Keep doing what you love and enjoy every moment of it!
ARIEL (cheerleader, model)
Age: 10
Has been a flyer since age 5What are you top 3 cheer bag must-haves? My cheer hair bow, warm up gear and my
stunting and tumbling shoes.What song gets you pumped up for practice and working out? LMAFO’s Sexy and I Know It (Hey cheerleaders! Love that song?
Check out this cheer shirt!)Favorite…
Movie: Elf
TV Show: Modern FamilyWhat advise do you have for our readers? Follow your dreams and don’t give up!
AMBER (model, athlete, volunteer)
Age: 16
Loves figure skatingWho inspires you the most? My mom because she is the most intelligent and amazing person in the world, and my skating coach because she is so inspiring!
What is your go-to snack when you have a sweet tooth? Dark chocolate
Favorite…
Color: Pink
Book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
ARABELLA (model, student)
Age: 17
Was a cheerleader and gymnast for 2 years and is always up for something new!What was your favorite part about cheerleading? The feeling of excitement when we would
get out in front of the crowd and get them excited for the game.What is your favorite cheerleading accessory? The
pom poms!What advise do you have for our readers? Do what you love, no matter what anyone tells you!
KATHERINE (model, athlete, student)Age: 9Has been a cheerleading since age 2, and is currently a flyer
What is your favorite memory from cheering? Watching the video of our performance from our Nationals win in Florida and seeing how high my
basket toss was!
What are your top must-have cheerleading makeup items?
Colorful glitter and glue, lipstick and hairsprayFavorite…
Color: Purple
Book: Diary of a Wanna-Be Cheerleader
What advise do you have for our readers? You can do anything you want in life as long as you set your mind to it!Check out all of the models in the Spring 2012 Omni Cheer and Campus Teamwear catalogs, now available, and online!
Did you know that, in terms of concussions and head trauma, cheerleading is the second most dangerous sport after football? Or that cheerleading accounts for
65% of catastrophic injuries among high school female athletes?Considering that many school cheer teams don’t compete, that means cheer is dangerous from the sidelines as well. Take a look at a few different ways cheerleading can be dangerous, from collisions to falls.
1) Collisions. Cheerleaders aren’t just
waving colorful pom poms. But even when they are, disaster can still strike. Take for example the Boise State incident that happened just last August. During a football game, a player attempted to catch a ball and ended up trampling a cheerleader on the sidelines.At a NFL game, a Miami Dolphins player accidentally ran into a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader on the sidelines. Since she was cheering facing the spectators, there was no way she could have seen the player coming (as you can see in the video below).
2) Miscommunication. Sometimes, a simple lack of communication can cause a big accident.
During a 2007 Auburn High School football game, the football team ran through a banner held up by the cheer squad. What was the problem? Someone didn’t tell one of the cheerleaders (who was fixing a portion of the banner) the team was about to blast through the banner. As a result, the entire football team trampled over her.
During a school performance, a Westfield High School flyer wasn’t caught by her teammates after being tossed in the air. Because of miscommunication, some of the cheerleaders thought the flier would do a back flip and land on the ground while the flyer thought she was supposed to do a basket toss. She landed hard on the cement several feet behind the bases and spotter.
3) Stunt Mishaps Even without collisions and miscommunication, there are always injuries due to dangerous stunts, no matter how experienced the cheerleader.
This past November before a basketball game, an Orlando Magic cheerleader fell from the shoulders of another cheerleader and hit her head. She fractured three vertebrae and broke a rib. As a result of the accident, the of Florida banned their cheer team from any further
tumbling and stunting (which of course upset a lot of cheerleaders).During a pregame practice, a St. Vincent High School cheerleader fell during a lift. She landed on top of the coach (who was attempting to catch her) and injured her neck.
Concussions, significant head injuries, and even paralysis can occur when stunts go wrong. During tryouts one year, a then 14-year-old cheerleader named Laura Jackson attempted a back tuck but cracked her head on the floor when the flip was not a success. She is now paralyzed from the waist down.
Unfortunately, these incidents aren’t as unusual as they should be. It isn’t just accidents or stunts that put cheerleaders in danger either; some of the most common injuries for cheerleaders include twists, fractures, and sprains which occur during tumbling. A slight error in a
back handspring or front tuck can cause a painful injury.Flyers aren’t the only ones getting hurt either. Many bases and spotters suffer injuries during tosses and catches – from the more serious injuries like broken noses or bloody gashes from getting kicked or elbowed by the flyer, to less serious (but still painful!) incidences like getting fingernails ripped off or suffering from scratches.
While appropriate equipment, proper
practice wear and uniforms, and communication can prevent a lot of injuries, cheerleading is still dangerous and accidents still happen. Many cheerleaders, like other athletes, face a lot of pressure to return to the sidelines or mats, and end up re-injuring themselves because they didn’t
take enough time off to heal from the original injury.
Have you or a teammate suffered an injury from cheer? What safety measures does your squad take? Share your thoughts and leave us a comment below!