Dangerous Cheerleading Moves

The dangers associated with the activity of cheerleading are no secret. The last several years have been marked by study after study indicating the massive safety hazards that come naturally with the typical moves and routines of cheerleaders across the United States. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury (NCCSI), 63 percent of catastrophic injuries in high schools have been linked back to cheerleading in the last 25 years.

While fingers have been pointed at culprits, such as poor regulations and inadequate coaches, for this massive onset of catastrophic injuries due to cheerleading, many studies point to the dangerous movements inherent in cheerleading as the real issue. As competitive cheerleading continues to gain momentum across the country, cheerleading squads are attempting to diversify their routines by implementing difficult, risky moves into the performance sequences.

Currently referred to as an “activity”, cheerleading has seen much controversy in regard to whether or not it should be considered a sport. Unfortunately, until the government recognizes cheerleading as a sport, the activity will continue to be plagued by serious injuries in light of a lack in standardized regulations.

If you or a family member has been injured during a cheerleading accident, the cheerleading injury law firm of Gordon & Partners is prepared to help you today. With years of cheerleading litigation experience, we are able to build strong cases that put our clients in the best position to win.

To learn more about your individual options, complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.

Cheerleading Preparation

The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research also stated that environmental factors play a significant role in determining the severity of injury in cheerleading accidents. For instance, the reports indicated that close to 90 percent of all severe fall-related injuries happened during cheerleading performance on artificial turf, grass wood floors, or the traditional foam floors. Performing these difficult stunts and complex routines on dangerous surfaces only scratches the surface of the dangers that exist in cheerleading.

Some of the most common cheerleading moves and stunts happen to also be some of the most risky. When a coach or trainer choreographs a cheerleading routine, it is imperative that they take special note of outside factors that may influence the safety of the cheer sequence. The following are some of the risk factors that must be calculated prior to creating a routine:

• Performance location

• Available spotters

• Number of routine participants

• How routine can be altered if a team member is absent

• Secondary plans to replace more difficult routines and movements

When accounting for the above risk factors, coaches and trainers are able to boost the level of precaution that is taken before a routine is even created. Using the proactive approach makes cheerleading safer for all participants.

Common Cheerleading Moves

In addition to taking precautionary measures, cheerleading coaches and trainers must always have a medical emergency plan in place. In the event that an accident does occur, actions will need to be made quickly in order to bring the injured cheerleader to medical attention as soon as possible. If you or a loved one is injured, a cheerleading injury law firm is the best means of recovering the losses endured in the accident.

In general, the following cheerleading positions are required to safely perform a routine:

• Additional Spotter (also known as a “hands-off spotter”)

• Bases

• Back Spot

• Flyer

• Front Spot

• Main Base

• Second Base

Maintaining each of these positions, regardless of the specific routine being performed, is essential to the overall safety of everyone on the cheerleading squad. As cheer sequences become faster, more complex, and more competitive, these positions become increasingly imperative.

There are a variety of cheerleading moves commonly used in routines across the United States. All cheerleaders should have a basic understanding of the following cheerleading variations and stunts:

• Extensions

• Pyramids

• Cradles

• Elevators

• Kick Basket

• Basket Toss

• Superman

• Flip or Round About

• Twists and Tucks

• Bow and Arrow

• Heel Stretch

• Scorpion

• Swedish Falls

• Deadman

• Arabesque

• Hitch

• Torch

• Needle

The above variations and stunts are the most commonly seen cheerleading moves in competitive and non-competitive cheerleading. Prior to performing any of these stunts and variations, coaches and trainers must ensure that all participants are stretched, educated, and prepared to execute them.

For more information, please complete a Free Case Evaluation today.

Contact a Cheerleading Injury Law Firm Today

Cheerleading injuries range in severity, however, the call from a coach or trainer is one that a parent never wants to receive. When parents of guardians put their children in the care of cheerleading coaches and trainers, they expect that safety measures are priority. In an effort to compete with more advanced squads, cheerleading coaches have begun to increase the complexities of routines. These changes forces cheerleaders to participate in stunts that may be too dangerous for the skill level, age, or experience.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a cheerleading accident, Gordon & Partners is prepared to guide you through each step of the litigation process. Taking cases throughout the state of Florida, we have the experience that it takes to build a winning case against those who should have been responsible for the cheerleader’s well-being.

Our cheerleading injury law firm is always fighting hard in our pursuit of justice for the injured.