Cheer Squads Should Not Get Blanket Restrictions

I am the pepster adviser at Valencia High School (“Running Low on Good Cheer,” Nov. 19, Dianne Klein column), and I have been involved with competitive cheer- and song-leading for the past 10 years.

I called the Anaheim Union High School District to ask for a clarification of the recent rule banning pyramids and gymnastics from cheerleading. I was told by a district official that this policy was passed about 10 years ago but was now being enforced due to increased accident reports.

Ten years ago there was very little regulation of cheer competitions. Squads were doing dangerous things such as three high pyramids and back-flipping out of stunts. Realizing the problem, several professional cheer organizations met together to establish a uniform set of safety rules. Every competition we enter has safety rules, and the major contests provide spotters. There are also several safety clinics held locally each year to certify cheer advisers and coaches.

With proper supervision and coaching, cheerleading is a safe activity. The Anaheim Union High School District needs to look at the situation at each individual school rather than passing a blanket policy that denies a dynamic squad such as Cypress High School the opportunity to perform at their full potential.

Jonna Robinson,

Orange