SPRINGFIELD – Student’s safety while participating in a sport is a concern for many parents. To ensure safe practices are being followed at schools across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced a measure to increase safety for cheerleaders.

“While sports provide students with vital life skills and a sense of belonging, they can also present an increased risk of injury,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Improving enforcement and knowledge of cheer and spirit safety standards will help prevent future injuries.”

In 2022, 18,007 cheerleading injuries led to emergency room visits across the U.S. Senate Bill 2861 would improve enforcement and knowledge of cheer and spirit safety standards by requiring interscholastic athletics associations like the Illinois High School Association to adopt the Spirit Rules Book published by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Once the spirit rule book is adopted, every team in the state would have to follow.  

“Cheerleading —while a sport full of enthusiasm and spirit – can quickly take a turn,” said Morrison. “It’s time we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of cheer and spirit leaders.”

Senate Bill 2861 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.