New Guidelines Proposed for Cheerleading - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

In tonight's HealthierMe, an influential group of pediatricians is recommending new guidelines to prevent cheerleading injuries. As cheerleading has become more acrobatic, the number of serious injuries has skyrocketed, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for cheerleading to be designated as a sport in all states.

That would mean mandatory pre-season physicals, access to qualified coaches, and better medical care. The AAP also recommends that pyramid and partner stunts not be performed on hard, wet, or uneven surfaces, and that pyramids should not be more than two people high.