8/17/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Cheerleading.
Requiring immense and consistent enthusiasm—on top of strength, flexibility, and tenacity—cheerleading demands respect. From building confidence in performing, fostering teamwork and spirit, and learning new stunts and jumps, cheerleaders work relentlessly to master their motions and routines. Whether you are a flyer, a base, or perfecting your tumbling, every element matters in the creative choreographed routine. When we protect our cheerleaders, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Cheerleading Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Cheerleading has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Cheerleading involves the frequent use of stunts and “spotting”, which require close physical contact between athletes and coaches. Athletes may not be educated on appropriate contact or consent. There is also a high level of trust that develops, which could lead to psychological dependence or even blurred boundaries between coaches and athletes.
- Cheerleading competition often involves subjective scoring, deducting from a baseline “perfect” score. Pressure and scrutiny to avoid point deductions can negatively impact self-esteem and confidence, and leave athletes emotionally vulnerable.
- In cheerleading, there is often a pressure to be physically small and under a certain weight, and weight-related pressure and criticism can lead to a high level of control over athletes and have the potential to encourage eating disorders and low self-esteem.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
7/8/2026
Cheer coach arrested in Gulf Shores on sexual abuse charges
6/19/2026
Husband of South Jersey cheerleading coach pleads guilty to sexually assaulting girl on cheer squad
4/24/2026
OC cheerleading coach gets 174 years to life for decades of child molestation
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
Cheerleading Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, and Safeguarding within Cheerleading.
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Cheerleading Care of the Young Athlete
Safeguarding
Ten key points to maximize safety, and promote body positivity.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
F.E.A.S.T.
Mental Health
Find support, resources, or connections for families affected by eating disorders.
Protecting Athletes: The Link Between Cheerleading and Concussions
Physical Safety
Understand concussion prevelance in cheer, symptoms, prevention. and treatment.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
Spotting Safety During Tumbling
Physical Safety
Learn about proper spotting techniques in cheer.
The Hidden Risks of Overstretching: Injury Prevention Tips
Physical Safety
Learn how to recognize and prevent overstretching.
The Impact of Eating Disorders on Athletic Performance
Mental Health
Develop an understanding of the impact that disordered eating has on athletic performance.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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