In a sweeping policy update aimed at advancing athlete protection, USA Cheer has published a new position statement encouraging all stakeholders in cheerleading to adopt body-positive uniform practices. The recommendations are designed to promote athlete comfort, confidence, and autonomy at every level of the sport.
The guidance, spearheaded by Executive Director Lauri Harris, comes after months of input from athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals. Drawing on current research and evolving trends in sports uniform standards, the national governing body is urging programs to re-evaluate what their athletes wear—and why it matters. See the complete position statement from USA Cheer located near the bottom of this article.
“We believe uniforms should support, not undermine, an athlete’s performance or well-being,” said Harris. “Our goal is to create a culture where every cheerleader feels strong, capable, and comfortable.”
Athlete Feedback Sparks Change
The initiative follows a University of South Carolina study that revealed concerning data:
- 68% of cheer athletes reported feeling self-conscious in their uniforms.
- 74% said current uniform standards negatively impacted their body image.
- 52% linked uniform appearance to increased anxiety.
USA Cheer responded with a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at modernizing cheer attire while preserving the sport’s spirit and professionalism.
Key Uniform Recommendations
The position statement outlines multiple best practices:
- Choice in Uniform Style: Teams are encouraged to offer full-top options, boy-cut shorts instead of briefs, and skirts that are longer than under-shorts.
- Age-Appropriate Attire: Special focus is placed on athletes ages 5–12, with an emphasis on modesty, movement-friendly cuts, and protection from unnecessary exposure.
- Practice Apparel: Athletes should not be required to wear crop tops or revealing gear during practice. Comfortable alternatives like tank tops, leggings, and athletic shorts are recommended.
- Non-Competition Wear: At events and award ceremonies, team-branded jackets, sweats, or track pants are suggested for a polished, professional appearance.
See Body Positivity Resources from USA Cheer.
Promoting Consent and Control
The updated guidance addresses social media exposure and athletes’ rights to consent regarding the public use of their images. USA Cheer advises:
- A defined social media policy for each team.
- Photos showing revealing attire or poses should be reviewed and approved by athletes before posting.
- Athletes must have the ability to request removal of images.
The goal: empower athletes to manage their digital identity and reduce pressures related to body appearance online.
See recommended photography guidelines from USA Cheer.
Aligning with Broader Athletic Trends
Cheerleading is not alone in reassessing uniforms. USA Cheer’s recommendations echo similar moves by other major sports governing bodies:
- USA Gymnastics and French Gymnastics Federation allow unitards and shorts for added coverage.
- FINA swimming updated its standards to allow more uniform flexibility.
- Track & field teams now incorporate longer shorts and looser tops after 43% of female athletes reported discomfort.
In cheerleading, the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) has mandated full tops for high school cheerleaders for over 20 years. The International Cheer Union (ICU) and IASF require full-top uniforms for all competitive teams.
Mental Health Support and Education
The guidance urges coaches and gym leaders to integrate mental health awareness and body neutrality education into athlete development. This includes:
- Access to mental health professionals.
- Education on body image, self-esteem, and body neutrality.
- Praise focused on skill, not appearance.
- Avoidance of language referencing weight or body shape.
Athletes thrive when recognition is rooted in effort, execution, and teamwork, not physical traits.
Coaching Tools and Parent Engagement
To assist coaches, USA Cheer offers a sample script to use when presenting uniform options:
“We have several uniform styles available, including full-length and crop-top options, shorts and skirts. We want every athlete to feel confident in what they wear. If you have concerns, please reach out to us—your comfort and confidence matter.”
Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to engage in uniform discussions with athletes and coaches, playing a key role in supporting athlete well-being.
A call for uniform policies that reflect cheerleading’s values of inclusion, safety, and strength. A call to honor the mental health and bodily autonomy of athletes who put it all on the mat.
USA Cheer’s message is clear: uniform choices must support athlete performance, not compromise their confidence or well-being.
Join the conversation. Support uniform policies that protect athlete wellness. Follow Cheer Daily for the latest updates and visit cheerdaily.com for more.
