Cheerleading Safety Month: Spartanburg Gators Prioritize Safety
Young Cheerleaders Educated on Safety Measures
Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Spartanburg Gators cheerleading team, consisting of girls aged 5 to 12, is making safety their top priority during Cheerleading Safety Month. The team is initiating steps to ensure safety measures are strictly followed during practices and performances. Angela Senghor, the Administrative Director, highlighted the emphasis on understanding the rudiments of the field.
“Our girls partake through the entire season, from pre-season preparations to the actual competition. Understanding the basics like what bases are, the importance of mats, and maintaining a spotter’s presence at all times are paramount,” Senghor stated.
The Importance of Stability and Focus
Coach Brandy Hawthorne is focussed on promoting stability among the young cheerleaders. She stresses the importance of each girl being locked in and sturdy to ensure safe practices and minimized risks.
“We need each girl not to fall due to a break in focus. Once they start faltering, there’s a higher propensity for their peers to go down as well,” expressed Hawthorne. She also highlighted the grim reality of severe injuries that could result if safety is not taken seriously, such as major breaks, tailbone injuries, knee and arm injuries, and ankle issues.
The Real-life Implication of Safety Neglect
Nema Wallace, a Spartanburg Gator cheerleader, shared her personal encounter with safety neglect. She recounted, “Once, I thought I might faint because it was too hot, and I had to go home instead of cheering.” Such instances underline the genuine risks involved in the sport if the right safety measures aren’t followed.
Advice from the Medical Perspective
Dr. Nita Bijoor, a medical professional who often deals with cheerleading-related injuries, weighed in on the discussion. Although many perceive cheerleading as a non-contact sport, she confirmed the reality of the significant numbers of injuries the sport can cause. Dr. Bijoor also recommended some preventive measures.
“Ensuring proper warming-up before beginning and maintaining adequate hydration can be tremendous helps in preventing injuries,” advised Dr. Bijoor.
Conclusion
The conscientiousness towards safety showcased by the Spartanburg Gators is a bright example for all cheerleading teams, especially during Cheerleading Safety Month. Through a combination of field knowledge, stability training, real-life experiences, and medical advice, they stride towards making cheerleading a safer sport for their young enthusiastic participants.
Source – HERE News Network
