Doctors call for changes to prevent cheer injuries

NEW YORK, Oct 25: A group of US pediatricians on Monday recommended that cheerleading be designated an official sport, mainly to help prevent injuries, which the doctors say can be catastrophic. Some of the group’s other recommendations include requiring cheerleaders to pass pre-season physicals, to have access to strength and conditioning coaches and to be removed from competing or performing if they have a head injury. (agencies)