Is Cheerleading a Sport

From LoveToKnow Cheerleading

You've probably heard the question asked, "Is Cheerleading a Sport?" The YourDictionary.com defines the word "sport" in the following way:

What do you think? Is cheerleading a sport?
  1. An activity or pastime that gives enjoyment
  2. A competitive activity requiring bodily exertion; sometimes carried on as a profession

Based on the description above, many cheerleaders, coaches and parents would shout a hearty yes that cheerleading is a sport.

The Debate About Competitions: Is Cheerleading A Sport?

Since the definition of a sport is a physical activity engaged in competitively, cheerleading would most assuredly fall into the sport category. Although cheerleading wasn't always the sport it is today, it has morphed into a highly competitive sport combining gymnastics, dance and stunting. Not only are cheerleaders expected to be fit enough to perform at games for their school's sports teams (typically basketball and football), they often travel to competitions around the country geared specifically for cheer squads.

Competitions often include not just a basic cheer routine, but stunts such as jumps, tosses and pyramids. Not only are these routines physically demanding, they can be dangerous at times. Today's cheerleaders have to be in top physical shape and alert to stay safe while performing these routines.

Why Some Don't Believe Cheerleading Is a Sport

Even though many squads do compete at least part of the time, not all cheerleading squads go to competitions. Some cheer for their school teams exclusively. Since they are not engaged in competition in these cases, cheerleading is not officially seen as a sport by many. Until the majority of cheer squads compete at least part of the time, cheerleaders may fight an uphill battle to have their skills recognized as a sport by local school systems. This doesn't change the fact that many cheerleaders are in even better shape than the members of the teams they are cheering for.

Helpful Competitions

In the past ten to twenty years, cheerleading has gone through a huge transition. In addition to having a great personality and good jumps, many squads require tumbling ability, stunts and extreme flexibility. Competitions such as the USASF Cheerleading and Dance World Championships, as aired on ESPN, have helped cheerleading to gain recognition as the sport it truly is. By showcasing the talents of the top cheer squads around the nation, people can see the effort, dedication and skill that go into performing one of these intensely physical and demanding cheer routines.

Although not all squads compete, the push is toward more and more squads attending competitions. Many already recognize cheering as a sport, even if some schools and officials are not yet there. However, many other schools do support their squads both financially and emotionally, cheering their victories and sending them to competitions in their local region and beyond.

Safety Concerns Over Cheerleading

Some proponents of making cheerleading an official sport feel that it would lead to more stringent safety standards. For example, if coaches were certified they would be required to take certain safety training courses to help with tumbling and stunting. This in turn could prevent some of the accidents that are always a danger with any sport that demands physical endurance and intense activity. Whether a squad is up to competition level or not, safety should be a priority for the well-being of the cheerleaders.

Additional Articles on Whether Cheering Is a Sport

There are many articles online about cheerleading regarding whether or not it is a sport.

As you can see, there are as many who think cheerleading is a sport as those who think it isn't. Whichever side of the fence you fall on, there seems to be a consensus that cheerleading takes a lot of skill and physical ability. Feel free to weigh in with your opinion in the comments box below.

Retrieved from "http://cheerleading.lovetoknow.com/Is_Cheerleading_a_Sport"

 


Comments

Thanks for visiting Jarrard. We happen to agree with you! Great points about the conditioning it takes to cheer.

-- Contributed by: Valorie Delp

okayy i cheer on varsity at my high school and this will be my third year. we have won state twice and last year we got second place at state and should have gotten first place. but cheerleading is definately a sport. i dont care what anyone else says because more than likely that person hasnt ever cheered or seen any cheerleading competition. we work hard to get as good as we can. that includes conditioning like any other football,basketball,soccer,or any other team. anyone who thinks otherwise then i want yall to TRY to do what we do at practice. cheerleading is known to be the most dangerous sport for girls.if you have a problem with cheerleading being a sport you can get over yourself because you have no idea what we go through to get to where we are.we are one of the most determined about our sport. so do not tell me that cheerleading isnt a sport.

-- Contributed by: jarrard pridgen

Thanks for joining us Tray. You will find lots of support for that position here! We all believe that cheerleading is a sport here and that "officially" making it so among sporting organizations would make it safer for those who participate.

-- Contributed by: Valorie Delp
> See All Comments on this article    


Comment on Is Cheerleading a Sport



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Cheerleading Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles