August is National Cheer Safety Month presented by USA Cheer! Learn something new each week through articles and social media posts about how to keep your athletes safe this upcoming cheer season & beyond! The theme of National Cheer Safety Month is to cheer for safety. We want to be vocal about the improvements the cheer community has made in reducing serious injuries and keeping cheer as one of the sports with the lowest injury rates.

This week will highlight injury prevention. You can take several easy steps to ensure your athletes can progress quickly and safely throughout the year. 

• Find the National Cheer Safety Toolkit Here
• Read More About The Progression Of Safety In Cheerleading
• Read Last Week's Article About Injury Prevention Here

Week Three: Safety Goes Beyond Injury Prevention

This week goes beyond preventing injuries. Athlete safety also means supporting mental health and providing proper training. Here are some steps you can follow according to USA Cheer:

Body Positivity and Confidence

USA Cheer is promoting consistent, body-positive uniform guidelines. Creating a safe environment helps young athletes feel confident in their bodies and celebrate all the ways their strength and ability allow them to compete in our sport every day.

Read the USA Cheer Uniform Guidelines Here

Hazing and Bullying Prevention 

Hazing and bullying are never tolerated in any space. Coaches play a key role in fostering a positive environment built on respect and kindness. They should also talk openly with athletes about inappropriate “traditions” and make it clear that such behavior will not be accepted. Every athlete should feel safe and supported by their team, their coaches, and their peers.

Read more about how October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Preventing, Recognizing, and Reporting Abuse and Misconduct 

It is essential to educate stakeholders on potential red flags and the proper steps for reporting concerns. This knowledge is critical in recognizing and preventing abuse. Gym owners and coaches should also have a clear plan in place to respond effectively if an incident occurs.

Learn more about USA Cheer's Athlete Protection Policies

Come back next week to learn some tips from the pros! 

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