Click here to review Varsity Spirit’s Commitment to Safety and the protocols we have in place with athlete safety top of mind.

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of cheer and dance participants is of the utmost importance. Since our inception in 1974, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct.

We take all allegations of abuse or any misconduct seriously, and the safety of our athletes is and has always been our top priority. When an allegation comes directly to Varsity Spirit, we take swift action – whether it concerns someone who works at our camps or someone who might attend an event we produce.

In terms of the reporting itself, whether the abuse allegation (or any form of misconduct) comes directly to Varsity Spirit or through one of its partners, the company takes immediate steps to address the situation. Within Varsity Spirit, our Participant Protection Committee is responsible for addressing and investigating all boundary violations and reports of abuse. The Participant Protection Committee is dedicated to assisting individuals and their families who may have been affected by an incident, allegation, or crisis, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and support. Our goal is to make those affected feel heard and promote their healing.

In the instances where an incident has been reported to Varsity Spirit, the company takes appropriate measures, which may include referrals to child abuse authorities, law enforcement, the USASF, and USA Cheer. Varsity Spirit cooperates with investigations handled by USA Cheer, the USASF, and/or local law enforcement.

Depending on where the incident has taken place, individuals are able to submit allegations of abuse or any form of misconduct directly to Varsity Spirit, the USASF, or USA Cheer. Because reports can be submitted directly to each organization, Varsity Spirit is not always the first to be alerted about an incident – but the company acts promptly after it learns about an allegation.

If wrongdoing is substantiated by USA Cheer, the USASF, or local law enforcement, the individual responsible is prohibited from working for Varsity Spirit.

Below you’ll find Reporting Resources…

  • USA Cheer: Governs scholastic cheer in the U.S.
  • USASF: The organizing member committee of All Star Cheer in the U.S.
Report Misconduct immediately when aware.
USA Cheer School Reporting
USASF All-Star Reporting Resources

Adult Training

All Varsity Spirit employees, regardless of level of access to participants, must complete Varsity Spirit-approved training on the following foundational abuse prevention topics prior to having access to Participants:

  • 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 be trained will be allowed to conduct or participate in a Varsity Spirit Event as a Varsity Spirit adult until the training is completed.

Varsity University Coaches Education
Coaches’ Education

Varsity Spirit’s coaches’ education is powered by our
partners in education – USA Cheer, the USASF, the
NFHS and Varsity University. In addition to education
and credentialing programs offered by USA Cheer and
USASF to its members, Varsity Spirit also provides the
coaches training and Varsity University.

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Athlete Safety & Well-being is Top Priority

Other Resources