Lessons from NCA 2025: How the Cheer Industry Can Improve Safety & Preparedness

2025-03-11

In this episode of The Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton shares his insights on the lessons learned from the 2025 NCA Nationals incident and what gym owners, event producers, and the cheer industry as a whole can do to improve safety and emergency preparedness. Drawing from his background as a military officer, law enforcement professional, and active threat response trainer, Dan breaks down key areas for improvement—including security measures, staff training, emergency protocols, and athlete safety pl...

In this episode of The Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton shares his insights on the lessons learned from the 2025 NCA Nationals incident and what gym owners, event producers, and the cheer industry as a whole can do to improve safety and emergency preparedness. Drawing from his background as a military officer, law enforcement professional, and active threat response trainer, Dan breaks down key areas for improvement—including security measures, staff training, emergency protocols, and athlete safety plans.

From armed officers at events to reunification protocols for gyms, this episode is packed with actionable recommendations to ensure a safer future for cheerleading competitions. Tune in for a candid discussion on what went wrong, what could have been done better, and how we can move forward as an industry.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses emergency situations and safety responses. Listener discretion is advised.

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