$Unique_ID{BRK01617}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Physical Examination for Cheerleading}
$Subject{school cheerleading physical examination}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Physical Examination for Cheerleading


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QUESTION:  Our high school has a policy that requires that all members of
their cheerleading squad undergo a complete physical examination.  It seems a
bit much for such an activity, just another visit to the doctor for my
daughter, and I want to know if you agree with this new demand?

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ANSWER:  You mean your school wants to make sure your daughter is healthy
enough to engage in a strenuous athletic activity and you think that's going a
bit too far?  Three cheers for your school system for understanding that
today's cheerleaders do more than stand around and yell.
     Cheerleaders were once picked by popularity contests.  Now, some high
school squads require all members to be able to do a back flip.  Many squads
now use sophisticated gymnastics skills to perform intricate stunts and build
human pyramids.  Even though more high school sports are open to girls, quite
often, the best female athletes go out for cheerleading.  At the same time,
co-ed cheerleading squads are becoming widespread.
     Unfortunately, many school systems still don't understand that
cheerleaders are athletes.  In many areas, cheerleaders are supervised by
whatever teacher is willing to take the chore instead of a trained physical
educator.  Squads may not be supervised at all during practices, which means
they are really training themselves.  Often, high school squads try to imitate
the difficult tricks done by better trained college squads.
     This lack of training may mean that teenagers like your daughter are not
being taught proper warm up and cool down techniques or the right way to
perform stunts.  It might be a good idea for you to find out how cheerleading
is supervised in your school and push for better supervision if it is lacking.
     Another factor that varies from state to state is what kind of routines
high school cheerleaders are allowed to perform.  If pyramids are allowed,
squads should be taught spotting, where one or two cheerleaders are stationed
either behind or in front to check positioning and catch someone who slips.
Spotting can be the difference between a great routine and a disaster.
     I hope your daughter makes the squad.  Cheerleading is a great high
school activity.  But I'm sure once you see how much sweat and work goes into
it, you'll understand why your daughter needs a good physical first.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
