We as cheerleading and dance coaches, support and applaud the legislators who wish to bring additional attention to the issue of cheerleading and its athleticism. As cheerleading and dance coaches, we are the voices of the very people most involved. Unfortunately, we have not been heard nor consulted with when Bill S2275 was introduced.

We wholeheartedly believe that the safety measures put in bill S2275 are sound and necessary, however governing cheerleading/dance like other sanctioned traditional sports does not go hand in hand. We believe that the best description for how cheerleading/dance should be managed is as an "athletic activity". This way it recognizes cheerleaders/dancers as athletes, yet coaches, athletic directors and administrators have the fame work to meet the needs of theirs school spirit program and sets safety protocols in place that are required for other NJ interscholastic sports.

The NJCDCA is working hand in hand with the National governing body for all disciplines of cheerleading and dance, to help provide a solution to the spirit of bill S2275, which will ensure that the role and function of cheerleading/dance is not negatively impacted by well-intended legislation. We are continuing to work with our State Interscholastic Athletic Association on eduction and we are aligned with them on the importance and need for cheerleading safety.

By signing this petition, we are hopeful our State legislators will postpone the vote of bill S2275 so that we may sit together to begin a real conversation and work towards a solution that is best for the cheerleaders, dancers and coaches in New Jersey. We believe dialogue about this issue is imperative before any further steps are taken. We also believe that the passage of this bill will negatively impact cheerleading and dance in the State of New Jersey. Passage of this bill will stymie the dynamic process that has made NJ cheerleading and dance a Nationally recognized leader in the areas of safety, spirit, coaches education and competition.