Moorpark High principal nixes cheerleader stunts without certified coach

The Moorpark High School cheerleaders are not allowed to stunt until further notice.

"We've had some injuries through the season, so we put stunting on hold to ensure students are safe," said Principal Kirk Myiashiro.

School officials are investigating safety practices and they plan to get the cheerleading coaches certified to prevent further injuries and avoid liability. "I know some of the girls and

parents were upset but I hope they understand it was done as a precaution," Myiashiro said.

While researching the matter, the principal learned that cheerleading coaches at the college level must be certified to teach stunts. So administrators decided they should require the same of high school coaches, he said.

The principal said he understands the concern of both the parents of cheerleaders who were injured and those who feel their daughters should be able to stunt. The certification solution should be a happy medium, Myiashiro said.

"I feel more than comfortable reinstating stunting once we have a certified coach," the pricipal said.

- Sylvie Belmond