Cheerleading is leading cause of catastrophic injury in young women

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwt-wQTBnw4&feature=player_embedded

Just How Dangerous Is Cheerleading? - July 24, 2009 – This is a short article not providing much analysis but the author did create a checklist for ways to make cheerleading safer for your child. The article makes mention of “fliers”, cheerleaders who because of being tossed in the air require smaller-lighter cheerleaders, normally girls, who suffer the greatest degree of injury. The safety preparation list included

Ask whether the coach is certified by the US All Star Federation for Cheer & Dance Teams or the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA); find out of that certification is current. If your child’s school does not require certification, insist that they change their policy.
Ask what governing board established the safety rules your child’s school uses. Look for rules developed by the AACCA or the All Star Federation.
Ask if emergency medical response plans are in place. Make sure that the policy is to call 911 first in the event of an injury and call the parent second.
Find out where practices take place. The space should be adequate in size, supplied with proper mats and equipment, and free from distractions.
Ask your child if she ever feels pressured to attempt maneuvers she does not feel are safe, and whether mastery of one part of a maneuver is achieved before the next step is practiced.
Find out what kind of warm-ups and strength training are included in the program.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is important. Always be alert to risks that can cause you injury or get you killed. Steve Lombardi provides commentary and insight on this blog, The Verdict and also writes for the Iowa Edict and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses for all types of accidents and injuries. Attorney Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer. Join us in making the world a safer place. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com )
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