The Associated Press

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A Gainesville High School freshman struck her head and suffered multiple skull fractures when her teammates failed to catch her during a toss maneuver at a basketball tournament in Kentucky last week, officials said.

Candis Vinson, 15, has been in serious condition at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, since Friday. Candis' cheerleading team was performing at the Marion County Christmas Classic in Lebanon, Ky.

Candis' family said the girl's injuries originally did not appear serious, but her head began to swell, and blood began coming out of her ears. She has undergone several surgeries since Friday, family members said.

"We have a long run ahead of us," said Bobby Vinson, the girl's father.

"The doctors are telling us she could be in the hospital for a month."

Gainesville High principal Wiley Dixon said the school will review its cheerleading policies when school resumes next week. Many high schools and colleges do not allow its cheerleaders to perform dangerous maneuvers because of the risks of injury.

Citing confidentiality policies, officials at Kosair would identify the girl's condition only as "serious."