Cheerleading injury risk well below that of many school sports
Study demonstrates cheerleading is comparable with other female sports but industry leaders emphasize need for proper training and supervision
Injury risks associated with cheerleading are no greater than most other sports, according to a recent study released by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA).
Using two existing studies, the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injuries annual study and emergency room data from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, AACCA conducted a thorough analysis of the number of injuries per participant to determine risk of injury.
Contrary to some recent media reports, the AACCA analysis found that the risk of injury from cheerleading is comparable with other female sports when participation is factored. In fact, cheerleading ranks third in female sports and eleventh in risk among injuries for all high school athletes.
“It can be readily documented that cheerleading in the U.S. is a reasonably safe and healthy activity for our youth,” says Dr. Gerald George, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Kinesiology at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, a noted sports safety expert and the editor of several sports manuals, including the AACCA Manual. “Furthermore, a critical analysis of current injury statistics readily verify that the risk of injury associated with cheer participation is well below that of many popular sport activities currently being conducted in the elementary and secondary schools.”
Dr. George adds, “Like any sport or activity, the risk of injury rises to an unreasonable level in the absence of proper training and supervision. That is why it becomes so important that cheer coaches and school administrators take advantage of the Safety Certification and Educational Programs offered by AACCA.”
Jim Lord, executive director of AACCA and author of the report cautioned that, like all sports, safety must always take top priority. “The data analyzed in this study clearly shows that the risks associated with cheerleading are very much in line with the risk of other sports. It also shows that there is room for improvement in the enforcement of safe practices at all levels of cheerleading.”
In many states, high school cheerleaders follow the guidelines of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Beginning this year, the organization is adding cheerleading to its annual injury surveillance study conducted by The Ohio State University.
Susan Loomis, spirit director for the NFHS, has endorsed the AACCA study adding, “This study by the AACCA shows that our efforts to create reasonable safety rules and to encourage coaches’ education are critical to keep cheerleading as safe as possible, in line with other high school sports at the very least.”
Lord is optimistic that the use of correct data, along with a continuing emphasis on safe practices by coaches through its Safety Certification and Education Program, will further improve safety awareness.
“The AACCA formed a partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2006 that required that college cheerleading coaches must be safety-certified,” Lord said. “The NCAA has reported that there have been no catastrophic injury claims since that time. We see that as a success we can replicate in cheerleading at all age levels.”
To view AACCA’s full annual sports injury study, visit www.aacca.org/safetystudy
Source: American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators
U.S. Wheelchair Basketball Team wins Gold Medal in Australia
8 players, 4 coaches from Courage Center Rolling Timberwolves team
A wheelchair basketball team representing the United States is home after winning a Gold Medal at the inaugural Australian Paralympic Youth Games in Melbourne, Australia. The wheelchair basketball team included eight athletes and four coaches, past and present, who compete on Courage Center’s Rolling Timberwolves. The Paralympic competition took place October 5-11 at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre and included teams from throughout Australia plus international teams of athletes age 20 years or younger.
The U.S. team was undefeated, going 7-0 in competition against five Australian teams. In the final game, Team U.S.A. was behind by two points at halftime, but pulled ahead by 6 points at the end of the 3rd quarter, keeping the pressure on to defeat Western Australia’s Westies 68-53.
Derrick Bisnett of Bismarck, N.D., led the team with 118 points, with Minneapolis’ Ben Kenyon scoring 64. Head Coach Mike Bauler was recognized as “Head Supervisor” of the tournament.
The U.S. roster includes:
(* Courage Center representative)
Athletes
Greg Anger, 20, Milwaukee, Wis., Missouri Tigers
*Robert Doyle, 16, Eden Prairie, Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Ben Kenyon, 18, Minnetonka, Minn., Wisconsin-Whitewater (Courage Center alum)
Dylan Fischbach, 14, Nebraska Red Dawgs, South Dakota
*Joe Dixon, 16, Lakeville, Minn., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
Jon Ruiz, 15, Chicago, Ill., Windy City Warriors
*Mark Braun, 15, Mounds View, Minn., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Rose Hollermann, 13, Elysian, Minn., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Derrick Bisnett, 16, Bismarck, N.D., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Robbie Wilhelm, 18, St. Paul, Minn., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Connor Downes, 18, Rosemount, Minn., Missouri Tigers (Courage Center alum)
Sam Blakley, 16, Utah, Utah Wheelin’ Jazz
Staff
*Mike Bauler, Head coach, New Hope, Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
Trent Thenhaus, assistant coach, Chicago, Ill., Windy City Warriors
*Brendan Downes, assistant coach, Rosemount, Minn., Arizona Wildcats
*Jeff Downes, team manager, Dallas, Texas, Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
*Tim Kenyon, assistant team manager, Minnetonka, Minn., Courage Center Junior Rolling Timberwolves
More Info: www.wsv.org.au/events/australian-paralympic-youth-games.html
Golf at the End of the World
‘Las Brisas’ in Chile offer premium golf from the Andes to the Pacific
The prestige of a first-rate golf course open year round transcends the borders of Chile and South America — High-end homes and mountain and seaside scenery surround two international-standard golf courses
The alliance between the “Las Brisas de Chicureo” and “Las Brisas de Santo Domingo” real-estate projects has led to an exclusive golf course in Chile. Unique in South America, it allows golfing from the Andes to the Pacific, blending the best natural scenery, culinary, viticultural, and property attributes.
With the beginning of an internationalization process that is already renowned beyond national borders, both real-estate complexes — associated with illustrious Chilean businessman Eduardo Fernandez Leon — joined forces in a single sports concept, with majestic golf courses, sports infrastructure, social areas, an elegant club house, and an unmatched selection of property alternatives. Both projects were conceived with an impressive golf course as the backbone, and designed by the celebrated U.S. company Gage Davis.
The route includes the challenge of golfing against the imposing scenery of the Andes, the chance to visit some of Chile’s largest vineyards, enjoying seafood and local cuisine, and finally improving your handicap with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset on the Pacific Ocean. All this within less than 130 km. Simply unbeatable!
Seduced by the weather, economic stability, price convenience, and standard of living of this region at the end of the world, a significant number of foreigners are considering Chile as a place to vacation and even settle down. The safety, construction quality, convenient prices, and fine sports infrastructure of these complexes are more than convincing arguments. Although close to Santiago, both complexes enjoy superb scenery and unexplored areas.
The golf course at Las Brisas de Chicureo (http://www.lasbrisas.cl/), near Santiago, has over 180 hectares of native forest and fauna, 36 holes, intense green elevations, and undulating fairways, reaching a semi-desert trail of hawthorn, bunkers, and striking ravines.
On the coast (on the way to Rapel V Region), Las Brisas de Santo Domingo (http://www.golflasbrisas.cl/) offers 27 holes of great natural beauty and the intense Pacific Ocean in the background, plus a crystal clear 2.2 hectare pond hidden between the seaside and the woods.
Source: Las Brisas de Santo Domingo; Las Brisas de Chicureo
SIRIUS XM Radio announces extensive MLB Postseason coverage
XM listeners nationwide will get live play-by-play of every Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series game MLB Home Plate and Mad Dog Radio channels to broadcast live on site during the League Championship Series and World Series Hall of Fame slugger Reggie Jackson hosts exclusive radio series, “October Nights,” Tuesdays on Mad Dog Radio
SIRIUS XM Radio announced that it will offer baseball fans extensive coverage of the 2009 Major League Baseball postseason starting Wednesday, October 7, with live play-by-play of every game on XM, plus playoff talk and analysis every day on SIRIUS XM’s MLB Home Plate and Mad Dog Radio channels.
As the Official Satellite Radio Partner of Major League Baseball, XM broadcasts every MLB game from Opening Day through the World Series. Starting with the League Championship Series games, XM will offer listeners the official team radio broadcasts for both the home and visiting ball clubs for every game, in addition to national ESPN Radio broadcasts throughout the postseason and Spanish language broadcasts for select games.
SIRIUS XM’s 24 hour baseball talk channel, MLB Home Plate (XM channel 175, SIRIUS channel 210 with the “Best of XM”), will offer fans the latest news and analysis from a panel of expert hosts that includes Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Ripken, Rob Dibble, Kevin Kennedy, Buck Martinez, Jim Duquette, Mitch Williams, Rico Petrocelli and others. MLB Home Plate will broadcast live from ballparks before and after games, offering game previews and post-game interviews with players, managers and coaches.
Every Tuesday through the World Series, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson will host a new edition of the exclusive talk radio series, October Nights, (7:00 – 9:00 pm ET) on Mad Dog Radio (SIRIUS channel 123, XM channel 144). The six-week series, running through November 10, will feature Jackson and co-host Bill Pidto talking about the playoff picture in the American and National Leagues and Jackson’s own experiences in the postseason.
Mad Dog Radio, SIRIUS XM’s all-sports talk channel, will offer fans a place for two-way baseball talk all day, every day of the postseason. During the LCS and World Series, headliner Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo will host his daily show, Mad Dog Unleashed, (weekdays, 2:00 – 7:00 pm ET) live on select dates from the AL or NL ballpark.
Source: SIRIUS XM Radio
Digital Primates teams up with MLB Advanced Media to unveil MLB.TV online video Player
Digital Primates IT Consulting Group, an industry leader in RIA technologies, recently partnered with MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, to deliver the MLB.TV media player, which enables subscribers to watch live and on-demand games on their computers.
The media player utilizes MLB.com’s proprietary speed detection that allows broadband customers to enjoy a High Definition-quality picture where available. It also has live-game DVR functionality and offers multi-game views, providing access to watch four live games simultaneously. Additional features of the new media player include:
– Real-time alerts to watch highlights from other games
– Home and away broadcast feeds for every game (where available)
– Picture-in-picture functionality
– Customizable player tracker alerts with live at-bat look-ins
“As a die-hard baseball fan, working with MLBAM was a thrill,” said Jeff Tapper, Digital Primates’ Partner and Senior Consultant. “When developing the video player, our first thought was ‘what would we, as fans, like to see?’ MLBAM already had an infrastructure in place, and working with them every step of the way helped achieve the final product that we’re all so proud of.”
Digital Primates participated in the design and build out of the workflow system, which determines the availability of video feeds, factors what the viewer is entitled to see and provides the ability to sell or upsell additional content to users. Digital Primates also implemented MLBAM’s patented “geo-detection system,” which determines where users are located so black-out restrictions can be enforced.
“Digital Primates has been instrumental in the success of the MLB.TV player development this season,” said Joe Choti, chief technology officer, MLBAM. “Expert understanding of Flex technology, combined with the ability to architect a complex system that is capable of scaling, makes Digital Primates an invaluable addition to a team delivering a product. The difference is in the dedication and desire to achieve a common goal.”
Source: Digital Primates
Woman with Down Syndrome to swim Boston Harbor
Competitive Swimmer Karen Gaffney to Complete 8-Mile Swim Next Week; Media Invited to ‘Ride Along’
WHO: Karen Gaffney, an accomplished swimmer/athlete and the first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim across the English Channel, completed a 9-mile swim across Lake Tahoe, and multiple competitions across San Francisco Bay.
WHAT: In a unique and never-been-done-before fashion, Ms. Gaffney will challenge herself to an 8-mile swim across Boston Harbor to raise awareness of Down syndrome and undoubtedly prove that the genetic diagnosis does not equate to a lack of abilities — rather — a show of amazing ability. Gaffney will follow the route of the ‘Boston Light Swim,’ a local tradition in the region since 1907. In addition, she will be an honored guest at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Buddy Walk and Family Picnic being held the Sunday following her swim.
WHERE: Boats chartered for the media will launch at 8:30 a.m. from the Boston Harbor Yacht Club (1805 Columbia Road, South Boston) towards Little Brewster Island where Gaffney will start her swim. Boats will follow Gaffney throughout her swim past George’s Island and Rainsford Island, under the Long Island Bridge, around Thompson’s Island and completing at the L Street Bathhouse (Curley Community Center; M Street entrance, 1663 Columbia Road) in South Boston approximately 4-5 hours after start. Those interested in cheering on the swimmer can gather on the beach of the L Street Bathhouse around 1:30 p.m.
WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2009; Boats must depart on time (due to tide/currents) and seating must be immediately reserved. Gaffney will also participate in the 13th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 11.
WHY: Gaffney is undertaking this effort to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October) — so decreed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick last year — and to prove that those with Down syndrome can accomplish their dreams. Now 31 years of age, Gaffney has successfully mastered a string of ‘firsts,’ completing 16 swims across San Francisco Bay – including the popular “Escape from Alcatraz” relay triathlon. In September 2007, she successfully navigated a nine-mile swim across Lake Tahoe and became the focus of a DVD documentary, Crossing Tahoe: A Swimmer’s Dream. Gaffney opted to swim Boston this year to also raise funds for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and its support programs leveraged by thousands of families across the Commonwealth.
**To support Team Gaffney, visit http://mdsc.kintera.org/gaffney.
Source: Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and Panini announce exclusive trading card agreement
The Panini Group, the NBA’s exclusive trading card partner, has signed four-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers as its official company spokesman and global trading card ambassador.
Bryant’s exclusive multi-year agreement with Panini includes autographs, memorabilia, and a joint charitable component. The deal is a landmark one for the trading-card industry and will help to re-energize the basketball collectibles market both in the United States and Internationally.
“I am honored to join the Panini family,” Bryant said. “Panini and I are really excited about embracing the challenge of re-igniting the collecting of basketball trading cards and sticker collections . . . and everyone knows I like challenges! We look forward to building off the momentum generated from last season’s NBA Championship, and taking that energy to another level. I know from my own experience growing up, how fun collecting and trading these products can be. I really believe collecting these products has the power, through the unique emotions of sports, to unify and strengthen bonds within families and across social groups, no matter what age you are. Panini and I are passionate about developing this hobby in many new and exciting ways. All I can say for now is to have fun expecting the unexpected from us!”
Panini’s inaugural first NBA trading card release, Panini Prestige Basketball, will launch on Oct. 7 and will feature the first authentic autographs from Bryant. He also will appear on Panini’s packaging for future NBA trading card releases and within advertising with future television and radio commercials planned.
“Kobe is going to be the face of Panini basketball and help to get kids excited about NBA trading cards,” said Panini Group Licensing Director Peter Warsop. “He will serve as the greatest of ambassadors for Panini basketball products around the world. We couldn’t be more proud to be associated with one of the most spectacular and transcendent athletes on the planet.”
The Panini/Kobe relationship began long before this exclusive agreement, dating back to Bryant’s childhood growing up in Italy. The Panini Group was originally founded in Modena, Italy almost 50 years ago and its corporate headquarters remain there. The Bryant family moved to Italy when Bryant was six years old as his father, former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, began playing professionally there. Bryant, who speaks fluent Italian, became a huge soccer fan and collected Panini stickers.
Panini remains the global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles and has an exclusive license with FIFA for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
“Signing Kobe shows the depth of commitment that Panini has toward offering the very best of basketball products, be it Trading Cards or Stickers and Albums,” Peter Warsop said. “Kobe’s intense focus and championship drive personifies the traits that Panini has exhibited in becoming the leading publisher of collectibles around the world. He brings enormous excitement not only to the game of basketball, but to collecting as well”
In January 2009, the NBA announced Panini will become the exclusive Trading Card partner of the NBA beginning with the 2009-10 season. The Panini Group purchased the industry’s second-oldest Trading-Card company, Donruss, in March and formed the new subsidiary, Panini America, Inc. Since that time, Panini has taken significant steps to fortify its position on the basketball landscape, including an exclusive marketing and advertising partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kobe Bryant is a Four-time NBA Champion, the 2009 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, a 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, and the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. Kobe was recently named Sporting News’ “NBA Player of the Decade”, and his NBA jersey continues to be the #1 seller in the United States, China and Europe. Kobe has earned All-NBA honors in each of the last eleven seasons and has been named to the NBA’s All Defensive Team nine times. In addition to his excellence on the court, throughout his career Kobe has dedicated his philanthropic passion and spirit to a variety of causes benefitting children in need. Since joining the NBA 11 years ago, Kobe has partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant more than 100 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions and was honored by the NBA in 2007 for granting more wishes than any other athlete. Recently Kobe has acted as an ambassador for the national charity, After-School All-Stars, and launched his own foundation, the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation, in an effort to expand his personal commitment to children around the world. In the summer of 2009 Kobe founded the Kobe China Fund, a global charitable initiative dedicated to improving the welfare and education of youth in China.
Source: Panini America, Inc.