While the CFA strives to ensure safe play, injuries are inherently possible in youth sports. However, most sports related injuries can be prevented through proper conditioning, equipment, and technique. The old adage of "play through the pain" is no longer the correct approach. It’s important for athletes and their parents to know what to look for with injuries, when to take a break, and how to best prepare to safely start practicing and playing again after an off-season. 

Check out the LINKS below to learn more about youth sports injury prevention. 

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Many people don't realize that Cheer injuries are actually very common due to the jumping, stunting, falls, etc. However, the risk of injury can be reduced by following injury prevention guidelines. 

Below are some tips compiled by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association that help reduce cheerleader injuries at all levels:

1. Proper Conditioning:  Physically prepare and maintain your body’s strength, flexibility, and stamina for stunting and tumbling.   Strengthen your core muscles (abdominal and lower back muscles) along with the upper and lower body and include aerobic (running, jogging, cycling, swimming) and anaerobic (wind sprints, circuit training) activities.
2. Exercise Reminders:  Warm up, stretch and cool down for every practice or competition and be sure to rest.
3. Proper Equipment:  Practice on mats or padded flooring until your routines are perfected.  Make sure the mats are adequately sized and sufficient for the activities you’re performing.
4. Spotting:  Have trained spotters present and engaged at all times.
5. Knowledgeable Coaches:  Make sure your coaches are certified in safety, first aid, CPR and AED use.
6. No Horseplay:  Focus at all times during stunting and tumbling activities.
7. Communication:  Request that your coaches review safety precautions, rules and regulations with the squad on a regular basis, and that they establish and implement an emergency action plan.
8. Read Safety Guidelines:  Ask your coaches to be familiar with the latest Pop Warner Rules Book, YCADA (Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance) safety guidelines and participate in the ASEP (American Sport Education Program) Coaches Online Education Training for basics in cheerleading principles;
9. Know Your Limits:  Be aware of your ability level and do not attempt advanced level gymnastic or stunting skills before mastering less advanced skills.  Always have a supervisor present.
10. Treatment of Injuries:  Promptly attend to any injuries you sustain.  Your school or organization’s athletic trainer can assist in the proper treatment and prevention of such injuries.  He or she can also offer an injury prevention education seminar and assist in creating the conditioning routine.