The cheerleading community has rallied around cheer athlete Ally Wakefield of East High School in Denver, Colorado, as a unsettling video of unconventional stretching techniques was released early August 24 by the Today Show.

In the video, the coach and team members are shown working on the freshman cheerleader's stretching, causing obvious pain and distress. The video is very upsetting to cheerleaders, coaches, and fans alike.

While stretching is an important part of cheerleading, proper progressions and techniques are key to keeping athletes safe and comfortable in their practice. The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) addressed the issue with a strong recommendation urging schools to require and certification and training.


"The safety and well-being of cheerleaders is our highest priority, and AACCA has established clear safety trainings, rules, and certifications to ensure the safe practice of cheerleading."

The AACCA website offers rules, training, and resources to help coaches further their education and enhance their knowledge of techniques and practices.

If you are a cheerleader looking to increase your flexibility, please remember to listen to your body and communicate to your coaches and peers if you are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable performing certain skills or drills. Use proper techniques and be sure a certified coach is present.

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