POULSBO — A former cheerleader is suing the North Kitsap School District, contending that the district violated its own safety policy and rules and that violation resulted in her injury.

Kelli Fredrickson, whose name was Kelli Ratley-Alvarez when she attended North Kitsap High School, claims in a suit filed in Kitsap County Superior Court that she was originally injured during an away game against Olympic High School on Oct. 8, 1998.

The suit contends that the performance of the stunt under the circumstances, lack of preparation and training, and improper clothing, all violated NKSD safety policies and rules, as well as those of the National Federation of State High School Association’s Spirit (cheerleading) rules.

“It’s a combination of things that led up the lawsuit,” said attorney Darrell Uptegraft, who is representing Ratley-Alvarez.

Part of the complaint is the fact that Ratley-Alvarez and the rest of the cheerleaders wore nylons to keep warm, which, according to Uptegraft, contributed to the fall.

“You’re not supposed to wear nylons,” he said. “They can be slippery.”

Ratley-Alvarez was treated, then allowed to perform again Nov. 2, when she fell and reinjured herself, as well as sustained new injuries.

Uptegraft said Ratley-Alvarez sustained hyperextension injuries in both hips, which led to bursitis and a pair of surgeries.

Ratley-Alvarez, who now lives in Silverdale, is seeking unspecified damages for expenses, medical costs, lost wages, and loss of future wages, as well as pain, suffering, and mental anguish.