CHEERLEADING SAFETY GUIDELINES
This
school strives to protect each student from possible injury while engaging in
school activities. The guidelines and information identified below have been
established for this activity in order to protect the student and others from
injury and/or illness. Participants and their parents should recognize that
conditioning, nutrition, proper techniques, safety procedures, and well-fitting
equipment are important aspects of this training program. Each participant is
expected to follow the directions/standards of the coach and must understand
that failure to follow such directions or adhere to standards may place the
participant at risk.
Most
cheerleading practice areas are constructed with extremely hard surfaces.
Athletes who fall during participation risk potentially dangerous injury -
especially to knees, elbows or head. Injury may include damage to joints,
broken bones, or serious head and eye injury.
Travel
to and from off-campus facilities shall be in accordance with the directions of
the activity coach.
Guidelines
are as follows:
1. Make certain that you wear all equipment that is
issued by the coach. Advise the coach of any poorly-fitted or defective
equipment.
2. Advise the coach if you are ill or have any prolonged
symptoms of illness.
3. Advise the coach if you have been injured.
4. Engage in warm-up activities prior to strenuous participation.
5. Be alert for any physical hazards or hazards in the
locker room or in or around the participation area. Advise coach of any hazard
or concern.
6. Practice stunt prior to the event that you will
perform in. Stunts can be very dangerous if not spotted correctly.
7. Lead cheers at the appropriate time so you will be
aware of ball and players' positioning to prevent possible injury.
8. Be aware of supervisory staff of both teams and where
they can be located so they may be contacted in case of an emergency or an
undesirable crowd control situation.
The
above information has been explained to me and I understand the list of rules
and procedures. I also understand the necessity of using the proper techniques
while participating in the cheerleader program.
I am
aware that cheerleading can be a high-risk sport and that practicing or
competing may be a dangerous and unpredictable activity involving MANY
RISKS OF INJURY. I understand that the dangers and risks of practicing
and competing include, but are not limited to, death, serious neck and spinal
injuries which may result in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage,
blindness, serious injury to virtually all internal organs, serious injury to
virtually all bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and other aspects of
my body, general health and well-being. I understand that the dangers and risks
of practicing or competing may result not only in serious injury, but in a
serious impairment of my future abilities to earn a living, to engage in other
business, social and recreational activities and generally to enjoy life. I
understand that the, due to the nature of cheerleading, the exact condition of
a site designated for cheerleading may be unknown or contain unidentifiable
hazards or circumstances.
We
agree that neither the school district, nor the staff of the school district,
nor the student organization of the school district shall in any way be held
liable for any accident or injury in any way received on account of or while engaged
in any athletic activity sponsored by the district. We further agree that
neither the district nor any of their staff or student organizations shall be
responsible for the payment of bills rendered for medical services as a result
of such accidents or injuries. We also acknowledge that it is our
responsibility to provide for any medical, disability or other insurance to
mitigate any costs that may be unfortunately incurred as a result of
participation in this activity.
By
signing below, I certify that I have read the above, understand its content,
and agree to its terms.
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Athlete's Signature Date
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Parent's/Guardian's Signature Date