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Safety Education is Key!
Safety education training helps coaches prevent injury by understanding risk and developing a comprehensive safety program. The USA Cheer Safety & Risk Management Course is the standard of care for cheerleading safety and part of the USA Cheer Cheer Coach and STUNT Coach memberships!
Performer Readiness Minimizes Risk
Performer readiness means being prepared to perform the skill being attempted. That starts with simple good health and includes being ready both physically and mentally. Proper leadup skills and progressions are important to help develop muscle memory as well as build confidence.
Spotting Helps Prevent Injury
Even when following skill progressions and putting performer readiness first, mistakes can be part of the learning process. Proper training and development of good spotting skills can help athletes land safely so they can correct mistakes and continue training. Be sure to spend time developing spotting skills for all team members.
Have an Emergency Action Plan
Every program must have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that is practiced until everyone understands their role and can spring to action when needed. In the event of a serious fall or even non-injury such as a cardiac event, an EAP can help shave precious minutes off of the response time and even save a life. As part of your EAP, team members should be familiar with available equipment such as AEDs.
Here's to Our Athletic Trainers!
Athletic trainers (ATs) are a vital part of any athletic program and a key element in injury prevention! As one of your closest health care professionals, an AT can be involved in every phase of this month, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment to emergency response. Take time this month to thank your athletic trainer and include them in your injury prevention plan!
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