Creating a Safe, Respectful Space for Every Athlete 

At Varsity Spirit, athlete safety is a top priority. Every day, we strive to create a culture of empowerment, where athletes feel safe, supported, and educated about critical topics like abuse prevention, mental health, and physical safety. We do not tolerate misconduct or abuse of any kind. 

Clear Policies. Strong Protections. 

Varsity Spirit enforces internal policies that prohibit abuse and misconduct and are designed to reduce and monitor areas where risk may exist. Our efforts are reinforced by the abuse prevention policies established the governing bodies for school (USA Cheer) and all star (U.S. All Star Federation (USASF)). 

These policies define clear expectations for behavior, reporting and accountability. The following types of misconduct are explicitly prohibited: 

• Sexual abuse and misconduct 

• Physical abuse and misconduct 

• Emotional abuse and misconduct 

• Bullying, threats, and harassment 

• Hazing  

Together, these standards help ensure a safe, respectful environment for every athlete who takes the floor. 

We Take Every Allegation Seriously 

Varsity Spirit responds promptly to report of abuse or misconduct. Oversight of this process is managed by our internal Participant Protection Committee. The committee is responsible for: 

• Reviewing and investigating reports of boundary violations or abuse 

• Assisting affected individuals and families with access to resources and support 

• Ensuring those impacted feel heard, respected, and protected 

How to Report Misconduct 

If you experience or witness misconduct, we strongly encourage you to report it. You may contact any of the following organizations, depending on your situation: 

• USA Cheer (School Cheer or Dance Reporting)

• USASF (All Star Reporting)

To report a concern to Varsity regarding a Varsity Spirit event, employees, etc. please use the Varsity Brands Integrity Line:  

• Web: Varsity Brands Integrity Line
• Phone: 877-203-6526 

Varsity Spirit may not always be the first to receive a report, but once we are notified, we take immediate action, which may include: 

• Referral to child protective services and law enforcement 

• Full cooperation with investigations led by USASF, USA Cheer, or other authorities 

If misconduct is substantiated, the individual involved is permanently prohibited from working for Varsity Spirit. 

Survivor Support Resources 

We are committed to ensuring survivors have access to healing and support. These trusted organizations provide confidential support and resources for survivors and their families: 

• Enough Abuse

• Administration of Children & Families

Varsity Spirit is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone at our events, including athletes, coaches, families, fans, and volunteers. Whether it’s a camp, special event, or national competition, safety is the foundation for every experience we create.  

We have a standard list of prohibited items at all Varsity Spirit events and take a comprehensive approach to event safety in close coordination with venue partners and local authorities, with a focus on athlete well-being and family peace of mind. 

To uphold these standards, all participants and spectators are expected to follow our Event Code of Conduct, which outlines clear behavior expectations and prohibited conduct. 

If You See Something, Say Something 

Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. While attending a Varsity Spirit event, please notify Varsity Spirit staff immediately if you witness any behavior that violates our Event Code of Conduct. 

Together, we can make every event a place where athletes shine — and everyone feels safe, respected, and celebrated. 

Athlete safety starts with knowledgeable, accountable adults. We support and uphold the training requirements established by USA Cheer and the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF), national standards designed to protect athletes and promote a culture of safety across all programs. 

Staff & Adult Training & Requirements 

All Varsity Spirit staff are 100% USA Cheer Safety Certified and complete additional training in athlete protection and injury awareness. 

We also require: 

• Annual background checks 

• Ongoing education in abuse prevention 

• Strict adherence to protocols that meet or exceed national standards 

We require all participating adults, including Varsity Spirit staff and event personnel to complete mandatory training aligned with these standards. 

Required Training Topics 

Training covers essential safety and protection topics, including: 

• Varsity Spirit’s policies related to preventing and responding to abuse 

• How to maintain appropriate boundaries with Participants 

• Definitions of abuse 

• Types of offenders 

• How offenders operate 

• How to manage high-risk activities, if applicable (i.e., bathroom and locker room activities, transportation, etc.) 

• How to recognize and respond to suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations 

• How to recognize and respond to suspicions or allegations of abuse 

No Varsity Spirit employee required to complete training may participate in any Varsity Spirit event in an official capacity until the training is successfully completed. 

Annual Requirements 

• All Varsity Spirit employees who work with athletes must complete training annually. 

• Coaches and adult participants must meet the compliance and eligibility requirements set by USASF and USA Cheer in order to participate in sanctioned events. 

Coaches’ Education 

Varsity Spirit’s approach to coaches’ education is powered by our partners USA Cheer, USASF, the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), and Varsity University. 

In addition to the education and credentialing programs offered by USA Cheer and USASF for their members, Varsity Spirit provides additional training and professional development through Varsity University, equipping coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to lead with confidence.  

Mental Wellness Support from The Collective 

As part of Varsity Brands’ mental health initiative, The Collective, students and educators have access to free, trusted mental wellness resources – anytime, anywhere. 

Explore tools and support designed to foster emotional well-being in school, sport, and life. 

Access Mental Health Resources here.

Varsity University:  Training Today’s Leaders. Inspiring Tomorrow’s Champions. 

Education is a critical part of building safer programs. From required training for staff and coaches to professional development through Varsity University, Varsity Spirit is committed to providing the tools needed to lead with knowledge, confidence, and care. 

Varsity Spirit offers comprehensive educational programming to schools and programs, equipping educators, coaches, and gym owners with the tools they need to elevate the athlete experience. 

Through a blend of specialized online courses and in-person seminars, Varsity University (VU) delivers high-impact training designed by spirit industry professionals, for spirit leaders at every level. 

VU All Star 

Tailored for gym owners, coaches, and athletes, VU All Star offers practical, on-demand education designed to help programs grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainably. 

VU Scholastic  

Built for school-based spirit programs, VU Scholastic provides coach-focused training to strengthen your program from the sidelines to the spotlight. 

Available Topics Across VU: 

• Coaching Techniques 

• Mental & Physical Health 

• Competition Readiness 

• Skill & Leadership Development 

Varsity Spirit is proud to be accredited by Praesidium, a nationally recognized credential that reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in abuse prevention. 

Awarded by Praesidium, a leading authority in abuse risk management, this accreditation is the result of a rigorous, third-party evaluation across eight key areas: 

• Policies and procedures 

• Staff screening and selection 

• Training and supervision 

• Incident reporting and response 

• Consumer feedback systems 

• Administrative oversight 

Earning accreditation confirms that Varsity Spirit has implemented strong, evidence-based safeguards designed to reduce the risk of abuse and misconduct across our programs. It is a recognition that reflects the strength of our training, policies, and reporting systems. 

Accreditation is valid for three years and includes ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance and continuous improvement. 

Praesidium Accreditation® is part of Varsity Spirit’s broader, long-term investment in athlete safety and our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive environment for every athlete, coach, and family we serve.