What does it mean to 'spot' a teammate during a stunt?

To 'spot' a teammate during a stunt means to provide physical support and ensure safety. When a teammate is performing a stunt, the person designated as the 'spotter' is responsible for closely monitoring the stunt's execution and being ready to intervene if necessary to prevent injury. This role is crucial in cheerleading and similar activities, as it involves being positioned in a way that allows the spotter to catch or support the flyer if they fall or are unstable.

By staying attentive and prepared to react quickly, the spotter contributes significantly to the overall safety of the stunt, helping to reduce the risk of injuries. This active involvement in supporting the stunt highlights the cooperative nature of cheerleading, where teamwork and communication are essential.

The other options do not encompass the active and supportive role that spotting entails. Watching from the sidelines might imply an observer role without engagement in safety. Signaling from a distance lacks the close interaction needed to ensure immediate safety responses. Critiquing the stunt performance focuses on evaluation rather than the proactive safety measures that a spotter is trained to provide.