STUDENT SENATE Bill 2012-XXXX TITLE: Resolution of the UF Student Senate in Support of Gator Cheerleaders at the University of Florida

AUTHORS: Senator W. Truman Williams III, SPONSORS: Senate President Christina Bonarrigo, Judiciary Chairman Cayman Weimer, Former Gator Cheerleader Robert Safranski WHEREAS, In accordance with www.gatorzone.com, The University of Florida has two co-ed cheerleading squads, a Blue squad and an Orange Squad, respectfully; and, WHEREAS, On the basis of organization and performance, The Blue squad, composed of six to eight females and six to eight males, cheers for football, men's basketball, and gymnastics events at the University of Florida in addition to making regular appearances representing the University at alumni, athletic, charitable and public relations activities; and, WHEREAS, For further organization and performance initiatives, The Orange squad is composed of eight to ten females and eight to ten males, cheers for home football games, volleyball, women's basketball, and gymnastics events at the University of Florida in addition to making regular appearances representing the University at alumni, athletic, charitable and public relations activities; and, WHEREAS, No amount of verbiage offers holistic, palpable credit towards what ought to be warranted in terms of the livelihood of Gator spirit, support and pragmatic patronage for which members of the University of Florida Gator Cheerleading squads offer to the Gator Nation during each performance and appearance; and, WHEREAS, In an article published by the Orlando Sentinel on November 14, 2012, author Marni Jameson described an account of an Orlando Magic cheerleader injury as the result of a fall which occurred while performing an acrobatic stunt during a game against the New York Knicks; and, WHEREAS, The article reports that Orlando Magic cheerleader, Jamie Woods was, In stable condition after suffering three fractured vertebrae and a broken rib as the result of the fall which occurred during an attempted stunt performed at the game; and, WHEREAS, The article also states, Cheerleading injuries are rising along with the sport's popularity, say experts, who think more safety precautions are in order; and, WHEREAS, In an article published by the Gainesville Sun on November 19, 2012, author Nathan Crabbe described the decision of the University of Florida to give notice of injunction

towards the performance of certain stunts by UF Gator Cheerleading squads, stating, [Cheerleaders] could no longer perform acrobatic stunts and tumble during games, as means of procuring a preventative measure towards the initiative of protecting cheerleader safety during these events; and, WHEREAS, The article also references a statement released by University of Florida athletic spokesman, Steve McClain, that the decision for injunction of certain stunts was not one that was made lightly; and, WHEREAS, The article further references a statement released by Steve McClain, which states, Instead of waiting for a tragedy to occur, we are taking a proactive stance to protect the cheerleaders, who represent the University of Florida with enthusiasm and class, and allow them to lead cheers at Gator games for years to come; and, WHEREAS, The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACA), a non-profit educational association for the over 70,000 cheerleading coaches across the United States [known as a] defining source for all cheerleading safety education, has documented success in its implementation of policies for reducing catastrophic injuries as referenced in case studies conducted over a 10 year, random sampling period; and, WHEREAS, Current UF cheerleaders, UF cheerleader alumni and UF students alike have expressed dissemination of concern towards the injunctions effect on performance autonomy via various social media outlets, including an initiative webpage (www.savefloridacheerleading.com) as well as Twitter; and, WHEREAS, Whether or not the current ordered injunction on acrobatic stunts might prove conducive towards a functional, preventative measure for protecting UF Cheerleader safety does not fall under the purview of question for this legislative bodys initiative; but rather, the injunction on acrobatic stunts constitutes an area for which the scope of permitted UF Cheerleading stunt performance and resulting autonomy during games has been limited; and, WHEREAS, The University of Florida Student Senate is dedicated towards both preventative measures for the procurement of UF Cheerleader safety in addition to measures which preserve the integrity of UF Cheerleader autonomy in stunt performance and ought to warrant palpable legislation towards both objectives herein and henceforth; then, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the University of Florida Student Senate offers its deepest condolences towards the injuries suffered by Orlando Magic cheerleader, Jamie Woods, while performing acrobatic stunts; and, THEREFORE, LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Florida Student Senate supports initiatives conducive to the preservation of the performance integrity for which the UF Cheerleading program historically deserves for its dedication to the Gator Nation; and,

THEREFORE, LET IT BE FINALLY RESOLVED that the University of Florida Student Senate supports the notion that further investigation(s) of possible, preventative initiatives, such as AACA based regulations, ought to be taken by the University of Florida in order to sustain the highest level of UF Cheerleader acrobatic stunt autonomy whilst protecting the safety of UF Cheerleaders. PROVISO: A copy of this bill shall be sent to the University of Florida Athletic Association