What are the best ways to stay safe when it comes to cheer? Follow this simple checklist and you'll decrease your team's risk of injury. So, first thing's first, is your coach certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators?

If not, suggest that your coach look into being certified, not only will she/he learn safety standards, management techniques and best of all, links to the cheerleading community.

You coach can become certified easily with the AACCA Safety Course, receiving the benefits that many counties require in their districts and among college teams.