Gymnastics Tumbling

Levels of Safety

There are three levels of safety/injury in the sport of cheerleading in the two different cheerleading sports. Cheerleading ranks as the most dangerous women's sport in all safety areas. The first level of safety involves catastrophic injury in which involves permanent paralysis or death. The second level of safety involves injuries for which the athlete must receive hospital care. The third level of safety involves injuries which require missing or altering an athlete's practice or competition schedule.

Height and Motion

There are logistical reasons why cheerleading is dangerous. Any activity involving height and motion involves the risk of injury. Cheerleading utilizes tumbling (motion) and basket tosses and pyramids (height and motion) and thus is inherently dangerous to some extent. Choosing to participate exposes cheerleaders to an increased risk of injury, including the risk of catastrophic injury.

Performance Areas

Cheerleaders, except in competitions, perform on surfaces designed for an entirely different sport. Basketball floors and football fields were not designed with cheerleaders in mind to even a minor degree. Even the layout of most basketball and football (and other sports) facilities are not planned with a specific cheerleading area designated, so cheerleaders are stuck performing around the edges of anther sports playing area.

Failure to Warn

One of the legal liabilities of any sport and certainly any sports injury lawsuit involves the failure to warn the participants in the activity of the dangers of their participation. There seems to be little doubt that cheerleaders, especially young cheerleaders, and their parents are not sufficiently aware of the dangers they are being exposed to by participation in the sport of cheerleading. While we are not in favor of the sometimes recommended scare tactic methods of warning athletes of dangers (don't create self-fulfilling prophecy psychology), there is no doubt that cheerleaders would be safer if they understood that safety practices are never to be bypassed.

Cheerleading Competitions

Cheerleading has split into two distinct sports, although some programs perform and compete in both. Cheerleading used to be an athletic activity designed to act as a support system for other sports. There was more interest in boosting school and team spirit than in increasing skill difficulty. Cheer competitions changed all that as difficulty was introduced as an important factor in judging cheer competitions.

Alphabet Soup

There has been a proliferation of cheerleading associations, matching the rise of the popularity of cheerleading competitions. Often, the primary motivation for the start-up, operation and management of cheerleading associations is financial. Coaching and safety considerations, other than at their own competitions, camps and clinics can often fall by the wayside when the primary association activities are financial.

For More Information
For even more of the type of in-depth information about cheerleading in this article and other interesting and informative products, see our Cheer Zone web site at: http://gymnasticszone.com/CheerZon.htm

15 Books and Counting
John Howard is the author of 15 books and e-Books about cheerleading, gymnastics, gym design, and gymnastics humor. More books are already on the way. He has 25 years experience and has coached State, Regional and National champion gymnasts, international competitors and cheerleaders at the National level in NCAA Division I.

Enter the Gymnastics Zone
GymnasticsZone.com is a highly informative gymnastics, strength and cheerleading information web site for gymnasts, cheerleaders, coaches and parents with numerous FREE articles and information, fun pages and activities all available for viewing at: http://GymnasticsZone.com

Stroboscopic Image of Tumbling Sequence Performed by Danish Men's Gymnastics Team $79.99 Gjon Mili Stroboscopic Image of Tumbling Sequence Performed by Danish Men's Gymnastics Team - Premium Photographic Print

The Gymnastics Book $23.71 An indispensable guide to the beginner`s world of artistic gymnastics includes detailed instructions on floor and apparatus moves, from tumbling and jumping to bars and beams. Simultaneous.

USA Gymnastics $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles United States of America Gymnastics (USA Gymnastics) or USAG is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics. The programs governed by USAG are: Womens Artistic, Mens Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline Tumbling, Acrobatic, and Group gymnastics. Womens Artistic is by far the most popular program. Gymnasts of all ages compete in levels 410, and then move on to Elite. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 98 Publication Date: 2010/08/20 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.23 inches

Teaching Tumbling (book) $24.95 You don't need to be a gymnastics expert to teach introductory tumbling. With dozens of skills, drills, and lesson plans for children, ages 5 through 13, Teaching Tumbling makes it easy to incorporate these fundamental skills into your classes. The most complete resource of its kind, Teaching Tumbling outlines 86 basic tumbling skills designed to introduce children to gymnastics safely and correctly, develop their strength and flexibility skills in preparation for physical activities, and enhance their motor development. Unlike other how-to books on tumbling, this user-friendly guide provides 42 sequenced lesson plans organized around movement themes. Each lesson includes objectives, warm-up ideas, new skills, time guides, and equipment needed. To make tumbling instruction as efficient and effective as possible, author and gymnastics veteran Phillip Ward also packs the book with these valuable features: * Critical elements, cues, and prompts for each skill * Skill finder to match activities to lesson plans * Scope and sequence chart to help you plan curricular content * Full-page, reproducible task cards to laminate for circuit stations * Skills checklist to evaluate student progress * Illustrated drills and skills * Assessment suggestions * Teaching tips for working with children in grades K-6 * Recommended tumbling and gymnastics resources and materials Teaching Tumbling is divided into three easy-to-follow chapters that guide you from tumbling basics to lesson planning. Chapter 1 reviews effective teaching methods and assessment techniques, and discusses safety issues, equipment, and proper form. Chapter 2 highlights 86 basic tumbling skills from three general categories: balances and supports, rotations, and springs and landings. You'll learn the basic principles behind a particular skill and the most effective way to teach it. You'll also find a diagram, a list of critical elements, hints and cues for instruction, and additional drills. Chapter 3 organizes the basic tumbling skills into lesson plans. You can modify these lessons or use them as a benchmark when developing your own curriculum. AUDIENCE Reference for elementary and middle school physical education specialists, gymnastics instructors, and recreation leaders. Text for college-level gymnastics and/or methods courses. CONTENTS Skill Finder Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. Welcome to Tumbling Teaching Effectively Assessment Techniques Safety Issues Form Equipment How to Use

The Foundations of Gymnastic Excellence, Vol. 3: Intermediate Tumbling - $34.99 The gymnastics how-to series continues in Gymnastic Excellence: Volume 3 - Intermediate Tumbling, as fundamental training is outlined with a focus on more tumbling techniques. These exercises are based on methods developed using the Mulvhill System, and are designed to be easy to follow for the young gymnast. Coaches and physical education teachers are urged to emphasize the "spotting" positions shown here. Drills are provided to enhance correct orientation in space, the right timing, and kinesthetic knowledge. ~ Alice Day, Rovi

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Gymnastics Sports Kids Sweatshirt by CafePress $28 Gymnastics - It's not just tumbling Sports Kids Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up while lookinrsquo; casual-cool in this kid version of this adult favorite - our ash grey Hanes Heavyweight 50/50 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, roomy comfort for easy layering underneath. Great durability for playing hard or

Gymnastics Training for the Pole Vault (DVD) $35.82 Gymnastics Training for the Pole Vault provides a detailed review of a series of proven drills and activities that can be performed either in the gymnastics area or with equipment that might be available around the track to improve an athlete’s pole vault performance. In an easy-to-understand and apply manner, the DVD explains and demonstrates how to perform each drill and activity. Among the topics covered: warm-up tumbling, uneven-bars exercises, high-bar exercises, parallel-bars exercises, ring exercises, trampoline exercises, and static rope climb.

Tumbling $3.99 Tumbling is the heart-warming story of Noon and Herbie, a young couple in Philadelphia during the 1940s and '50s. Unable to consummate their marriage because of a horrible secret in Noon's past, Noon and Herbie seek comfort from other sources: she, in the warmth and acceptance of the local church; he, in the arms of a nightclub singer named Ethel. Despite their problems, Noon and Herbie care deeply for one another, and their bond is further strengthened when they are blessed with a family in the form of two girls abandoned on their doorstep. When their close-knit community is threatened by outside forces, Noon finds that she must lead the battle to defend their deeply cherished way of life as she struggles to keep her unconventional family whole. Tumbling is a beautiful and uplifting debut novel from the most exciting new voice in African-American fiction. 340 pages.

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The Gymnastics Book (Hardcover) $40.87 An excellent book in every way ... Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport.--School library Journal (starred review)This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with stunning full-color photographs of gymnasts balancing, tumbling and jumping, The Gymnastics Book features skilled guidance from a medal-winning, record-breaking gymnast who is now a noted instructor.The topics covered in detail include:Finding a good gymnastics club Qualities to look for in a coachWarm-up and cool-down exercisesEntering competitive gymnasticsManaging victories and lossesThe importance of family and friendsNutrition and apparelFinancial aspectsA typical day of training for competition. The book is also filled with anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars, taking beginners behind the scenes and offering a no-holds-barred account of life as a competitive gymnast. New gymnasts featured include:Shallon Olsen: At just 11 years old she ranked first overall in her age category. She now has the 2016 Olympics games in her sights. Kyle Shewfelt: To date, Kyle is the only Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, Athens) from Canada. Emily Boycott: A Special Olympics athlete and 27 years old, her team took home five gold medals from the 2007 Beijing Olympics.

The Gymnastics Book (Paperback) $28.63 An excellent book in every way ... Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport.--School library Journal (starred review)This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with stunning full-color photographs of gymnasts balancing, tumbling and jumping, The Gymnastics Book features skilled guidance from a medal-winning, record-breaking gymnast who is now a noted instructor.The topics covered in detail include:Finding a good gymnastics club Qualities to look for in a coachWarm-up and cool-down exercisesEntering competitive gymnasticsManaging victories and lossesThe importance of family and friendsNutrition and apparelFinancial aspectsA typical day of training for competition. The book is also filled with anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars, taking beginners behind the scenes and offering a no-holds-barred account of life as a competitive gymnast. New gymnasts featured include:Shallon Olsen: At just 11 years old she ranked first overall in her age category. She now has the 2016 Olympics games in her sights. Kyle Shewfelt: To date, Kyle is the only Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, Athens) from Canada. Emily Boycott: A Special Olympics athlete and 27 years old, her team took home five gold medals from the 2007 Beijing Olympics.

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Large Padded Tumbling Belt (32 to 36) from American Athletic, Inc $226.15 For use in a variety of sport training, including gymnastics, diving, tumbling, freestyle skiing and skateboarding.Rugged parachute webbing and cast steel hardwareCinch type forged steel bucklesOne piece paddedLined with soft padding for comfortColor coded for easy selection, yellow-small, red-medium, blue-large and black-adjustableQuality equipment your athletes deserve. Since 1954.As an official supplier of gymnastics equipment to USA Gymnastics, AAI is proud of its continuing commitment to the development of gymnastics through participation in hundreds of National, State, Regional and local events affiliated with the USAG. AAI is the longest running partner in USAG's history.Warning: American Athletic, Inc. apparatus is designed to site on a hard flat surface such as concrete, wood, or urethane flooring, when in use. Placing any apparatus on top of matting, including base foam, can destabilize or alter the intended performance of the apparatus potentially resulting in catastrophic injury to the user.Gymnastic apparatus, accessories, and mats are designed using materials that will wear with use over time. All connection and component parts should be inspected before each use and replaced with the first sign of wear. Neglect or failure to do so could result in injury, or worse.The set-up, teardown, adjustment, or use of any piece of apparatus or mat, should only be done by, or under the supervision of a qualified instructor or coach.

Medium Padded Tumbling Belt (28 to 32) from American Athletic, Inc $218.46 For use in a variety of sport training, including gymnastics, diving, tumbling, freestyle skiing and skateboarding.Rugged parachute webbing and cast steel hardwareCinch type forged steel bucklesOne piece paddedLined with soft padding for comfortColor coded for easy selection, yellow-small, red-medium, blue-large and black-adjustableQuality equipment your athletes deserve. Since 1954.As an official supplier of gymnastics equipment to USA Gymnastics, AAI is proud of its continuing commitment to the development of gymnastics through participation in hundreds of National, State, Regional and local events affiliated with the USAG. AAI is the longest running partner in USAG's history.Warning: American Athletic, Inc. apparatus is designed to site on a hard flat surface such as concrete, wood, or urethane flooring, when in use. Placing any apparatus on top of matting, including base foam, can destabilize or alter the intended performance of the apparatus potentially resulting in catastrophic injury to the user.Gymnastic apparatus, accessories, and mats are designed using materials that will wear with use over time. All connection and component parts should be inspected before each use and replaced with the first sign of wear. Neglect or failure to do so could result in injury, or worse.The set-up, teardown, adjustment, or use of any piece of apparatus or mat, should only be done by, or under the supervision of a qualified instructor or coach.

Small Padded Tumbling Belt (24 to 28) from American Athletic, Inc $209.23 For use in a variety of sport training, including gymnastics, diving, tumbling, freestyle skiing and skateboarding.Rugged parachute webbing and cast steel hardwareCinch type forged steel bucklesOne piece paddedLined with soft padding for comfortColor coded for easy selection, yellow-small, red-medium, blue-large and black-adjustableQuality equipment your athletes deserve. Since 1954.As an official supplier of gymnastics equipment to USA Gymnastics, AAI is proud of its continuing commitment to the development of gymnastics through participation in hundreds of National, State, Regional and local events affiliated with the USAG. AAI is the longest running partner in USAG's history.Warning: American Athletic, Inc. apparatus is designed to site on a hard flat surface such as concrete, wood, or urethane flooring, when in use. Placing any apparatus on top of matting, including base foam, can destabilize or alter the intended performance of the apparatus potentially resulting in catastrophic injury to the user.Gymnastic apparatus, accessories, and mats are designed using materials that will wear with use over time. All connection and component parts should be inspected before each use and replaced with the first sign of wear. Neglect or failure to do so could result in injury, or worse.The set-up, teardown, adjustment, or use of any piece of apparatus or mat, should only be done by, or under the supervision of a qualified instructor or coach.

Adjustable Padded Tumbling Belt (28 to 42) from American Athletic, Inc $235.38 For use in a variety of sport training, including gymnastics, diving, tumbling, freestyle skiing and skateboarding.Rugged parachute webbing and cast steel hardwareCinch type forged steel bucklesTwo piece adjustable padded constructionLined with soft padding for comfortColor coded for easy selection, yellow-small, red-medium, blue-large and black-adjustableQuality equipment your athletes deserve. Since 1954.As an official supplier of gymnastics equipment to USA Gymnastics, AAI is proud of its continuing commitment to the development of gymnastics through participation in hundreds of National, State, Regional and local events affiliated with the USAG. AAI is the longest running partner in USAG's history.Warning: American Athletic, Inc. apparatus is designed to site on a hard flat surface such as concrete, wood, or urethane flooring, when in use. Placing any apparatus on top of matting, including base foam, can destabilize or alter the intended performance of the apparatus potentially resulting in catastrophic injury to the user.Gymnastic apparatus, accessories, and mats are designed using materials that will wear with use over time. All connection and component parts should be inspected before each use and replaced with the first sign of wear. Neglect or failure to do so could result in injury, or worse.The set-up, teardown, adjustment, or use of any piece of apparatus or mat, should only be done by, or under the supervision of a qualified instructor or coach.

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