Cheerleading Injuries - Cheerleaders Facing More Risks
Cheerleading Injuries - Cheerleaders Facing More Risks
What is possibly the most dangerous sport for girls to participate in? Cheerleading is it, over all other sports. A report from the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research shows that cheerleading accounts for at least 65 percent of injuries in girls sports at the high school level. Keep in mind that cheerleading takes up only about 12 percent of all the female athletes in high school.
When you consider the high flying stunts that cheerleaders do, you can see where a high level of catastrophic injuries can occur. It only takes one fall from a missed catch to ruin someone's life. The percentage of injuries above only accounts for those accidents that are permanently disabling or of fractured bones. It does not take into account minor injuries such as sprained ankles.
So it goes without saying that a cheer squad must take the matter of safety extremely serious. It does not matter if you are the best cheerleader in the world, it only takes one mistake. Always be aware of your safety measures and if you don't have any start now. Make use of spotters to help catch someone who may be falling or at least to soften the fall.
What can be done to prevent or reduce injuries? Practice on mats, use proper spotting methods, gradually increase the intensity of practice, learn easy stunts first and have an emergency plan. Be aware that cheerleading carries with it the possibility of injuries and no amount of prevention can stop all incidences. But following good safety precautions will reduce the possibility and seriousness of injuries.