UR Medicine is a proud participant in the Stop Sports Injury Campaign. To help keep kids in the game for life, STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) targets the sports that have the highest rates of overuse and trauma injuries. The development of STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) Sports Injuries was initiated by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).
Download the Cheerleading Injury PDF
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that cheerleading led to 16,000 emergency room visits in 2002 (the latest year for data). While not as frequent as injuries in other sports, cheerleading injuries tend to be more severe, making up more than half of the catastrophic injuries in female athletes. Cheerleading injuries affect all areas of the body — most commonly the wrists, shoulders, ankles, head, and neck.
Stunt Restrictions
In an attempt to curb the amount of catastrophic injuries in cheerleading, restrictions have been placed on stunts. They range from height restrictions in human pyramids, to the thrower-flyer ratio, to the number of spotters that must be present for each person lifted above shoulder level.
For example, the limit for pyramids is two body lengths for the high school level and 2.5 body lengths for the college level, with the base cheerleader in direct contact with the performing surface. Base supporters must remain stationary and the suspended person is not allowed to be inverted or rotate on dismount.
Basket toss stunts in which a cheerleader is thrown into the air (sometimes as high as 20 feet) are only allowed to have four throwers. The person being tossed (flyer) is not allowed to drop the head below a horizontal plane with the torso. One of the throwers must remain behind the flyer at all times during the toss.
Mats should be used during practice sessions and as much as possible during competitions. Cheerleaders should not attempt a stunt if they are tired, injured, or ill, as this may disrupt their focus and cause the stunt to be performed in an unsafe manner.
Training
The importance of a qualified coach is also critical. Coaching certification is encouraged.
Precautions should always be taken during inclement weather for all stunts. Also, a stunt should not be attempted without proper training, and not until the cheerleader is confident and comfortable with performing the stunt.
Supervision should be provided at all times during stunt routines.
As with any sport, proper conditioning and training are important to minimize injury, including:
One of the most common injuries cheerleaders suffer is an ankle or wrist sprain or strain. For treatment of a sprain or strain, remember RICE:
Campbell, John D, and Barry P. Boden. Cheerleading Injuries. Sports Medicine Update. September/October 2008.
Boden BP, R Tacchetti, FO Mueller. Catastrophic cheerleading injuries. Am Journal of Sports Med. 31:881-888, 2003.
Shields BJ, GA Smith. Cheerleading related injuries to children 5 to 18 years of age: United States, 1990- 2002. Pediatrics. 117:122-129, 2006
The following expert consultants contributed to the tip sheet:
John D Campbell, MD
Barry P. Boden, MD
Sports Tips provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physician.