And then, of course, there's the coming down

From 'CHEER LEADER' Magazine Vol 6 Iss 4, published by the BCA

"AND THEN, OF COURSE,
THERE'S THE COMING DOWN"

A.A. Milne’s delightful description of Tigger’s unplanned descent from a tree in the Hundred Acre Wood is a literary classic and a Disney masterpiece. Although Cheerleaders do take care in building stunts and pyramids, any lack in equal planning and technique for dismounting will not result in such endearing appeal to spectators or parents.

Without proper training and skilled supervision stunts like the one illustrated should not be attempted.

Before putting any stunt up - first plan and prepare for how you are going to bring it down. Consider every way it could come down and ensure your spotters can confidently handle each possible situation. Bear Hugs and Cradles are fundamental techniques that must be practised until they become instinctive. Following Andrea Kulberg’s excellent feature in the last issue it is worth reiterating BCA’s Stunt Safety Code, last published here around 18 months ago.

If you have not been shown how - then don't stunt.

If you are feeling tired or unwell you should not stunt.

Always warm up and stretch before any practice session or performance.

Ensure clothing and footwear are suitable. No hoods, baggy sweaters, jewellery, or low grip materials. Avoid unnecessary frills, trim, and pockets.

Check the floor surface. It should be flat, solid, dry, free from loose items, and have a good surface.

Check the surrounding area for dangerous obstructions such as chairs or railings.

Check overhead for ceiling height, light fixtures or roof beams.

Practice with crash mats, especially when indoors.

Before practising a stunt or pyramid talk through each stage, especially the dismount, before building.

Pyramids should be practised to a count sequence. You can add music or chant words later, based on the count.

Practice building a stage at a time, and dismounting from each stage.

Beginners should start off mastering the basics and not be lead into advanced stunts.

Bases should be set, and where applicable locked, before the flyer starts to mount.

Use 'Step Lock' technique for climbing.

Get stage one right before going onto stage two.

Dismounting from each stage generates good control for bringing it down safely at any point.

Every stunt or pyramid should be practised with spotters, ideally one person covering for every person off the ground. Everyone on the squad should become proficient in spotting techniques.

Concentrate. Be alert.

Only one person should be talking during stunt building practice, and then only to count.

The keyword 'Down' is an imperative, called by any person it initiates an immediate controlled dismount.

The final set should be held for at least a count of two, both for visual effect, and to aid dismount timing.

Always dismount from the top down whilst continuing the count.

Practice makes perfect, but beware that repetition can make for complacency.

Just plain common sense really, let's all keep it safe.

The web version does not allow the full formatting of the original printed publication.