Media Perpetuates Inaccuracies to Damage Cheerleading Image

Recently, articles have appeared about the lack of supervision or the governing of cheerleading rules and regulations.  The attempt of these reports is to make it appear as if cheerleading is not governed at any level by anybody.  This is simply not true.  In truth, cheerleading has as much or more governing than any other athletic activity. 

FACT:  Cheerleading is governed at the High School level by the National Federation of High School.  This is, in fact, the same group that governs all other High School sports and activities. The NFHS is a very active organization with representation in every state and a strong voice to control the activity through its various rules making bodies.  Safety rules are published annually and coaches are required to attend rules meetings to become familiar with the rules for the season.

FACT:  College Cheerleading is regulated at the college level by the NCAA.  The NCAA is the authority for all college athletics and certainly enforces cheerleading safety rules.  The NCAA requires all of their cheerleading coaches to become certified through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators. 

FACT: All Star Cheerleading is governed by the United States All Star Federation.  The USASF writes rules and regulations for All Star Cheerleaders and requires coaches to become credentialed before competing in competition.

FACT: Jim Lord, Executive Director for the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, made these facts available and stated them repeatedly in his recent interview with a major news organization.  Was that the story that was presented or carried on the network? No. Why? The media focuses on stories that are sensational and titillating to the public.  Reporters often ignore the safety regulations that are currently in place and edit interviews to “prove” their points. How can a reporter simply ignore these important facts and make claims that the activity is unregulated.  In my opinion, media is unregulated!

I feel confident cheerleading coaches and cheerleaders across the country know the rules and understand the importance of safety in the activity.  They work tirelessly to perfect their skills and improve through proven principles of safe progressions.  They work on and enforce rules to allow their athletes to stay safe and perform their role as leaders on the field, in the classroom and in the community. No cheerleader or coach wants an injury to occur and each prepares accordingly. Cheerleading has played an important role in the lives of millions of America’s youth.  As with all athletic activities, there can be risks involved but they can be managed.  I only wished the media would focus on the positive impacts the activity has had on so many young Americans and stop spreading lies that hurt those same athletes.

Daniel Uselton

Vice President of Curriculum

Universal Cheerleaders Association