Safety,+Injury,+and+illnesses

__**SAFTEY AND INJURIES/ILLNESSES **__


 * Safety guidelines are provided by the State of Utah through the Utah High School Athletic Association. They stipulate that we follow National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) and American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Advisors (AACCA) guidelines. **

A. __Safety __

1. The increased athletic activity in cheerleading has resulted in an increased concern for safety. Coaches have been certified by AACCA. 2. Cheerleaders and parents are placed on notice that improper conduct at a cheerleading activity may result in catastrophic injury, paralysis or even death. In becoming a participant in this program, a cheerleader voluntarily assumes the risk involved by participating in cheerleading practices, games and other activities. 3. All squad members shall be thoroughly familiar with and carefully abide by NFHS and AACCA guidelines. Guidelines are available online at [|www.nfhs.org] and [|www.aacca.com]. 4. Cheerleaders must be aware that failure to abide by the AACCA guidelines may result in immediate and serious discipline to include possible dismissal from the squad. 5. It is for the health and safety of each individual cheerleader to follow rules. **No talking during stretches** has been put into effect to minimize injuries, (i.e.; strained muscles, torn ligaments, etc.)

B. __Injuries/Illnesses __

1. Safety is our first priority and we are committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles. 2. Conduct which opposes this philosophy and/or conduct which poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety and welfare of participants is in violation of this policy, and negates coach’s responsibility. 3. If chronic (See Appendix A) illness or injury causes a squad member to miss games or practices repeatedly (See Appendix A), the squad member may be removed from the squad by the coaches at their discretion. 4. A cheerleader can only be placed on probation one time during the year, if standards are not met thereafter or if the cheerleader qualifies for probation again; he/she is subject to immediate dismissal from the squad. 5. Suspension from the squad members can be implemented at any time at the sole discretion of the coaches. **6. ****Cheerleaders found to violate drug and alcohol rules will be disciplined immediately (including probation) and/or dismissed from the squad at the discretion of the coaches. ** 7. Behavior in violation of the code of conduct is subject to immediate suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the coaches. 8. Violation of safety guidelines is subject to immediate suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the coaches. 9. Failure to enforce discipline for any infraction or series of infractions does not waive any right of coaches to discipline for the infraction at a later rime, or for subsequent violation, or to enforce a cumulative disciplinary action for subsequent violations.