United States Sports Academy
America's Sports University^®

Introduction

Since 1980, cheerleading has evolved into an activity demanding high levels of skill and athleticism (Brenda, Shields, & Gary, 2006). Cheerleading in the United States is a year round competitive activity spanning three typical sports seasons (fall, winter, and spring), and culminating with summer camp and competition. Catastrophic injuries have increased over the years, presumably because of an increase in the gymnastic-like stunts common in cheerleading (Mueller & Cantu, 2003; Jacobson, Redus, & Palmer, 2005).

As a result of staggering rise in medical costs, many organizations, are beginning to realize that keeping employees healthy costs less than treating them once they are sick. Pro-active thinking companies are finding that an investment in their employees’ health may translate into substantial dividends to their bottom line.