Cheerleading: Is it a sport?
The word ‘sports’ is defined by Google as “an activity involving a physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Although it does not involve shooting threes, or hitting home runs, does that mean cheering is not a sport?
Taking note of such a definition, cheerleading is a sport. With all its tossing, tumbling, and screaming, it is undeniable. Cheerleading is more than supporting your local high school teams and dressing in a lot of makeup and cute little pom-poms. Outside of the performance, cheerleaders here at Berea are required to have three practices with various times ranging from early in the evening to late at night and despite those hours of practicing, only sixty seconds of it is acknowledged during a basketball team’s timeout.
Cheering, often disregarded in the sport world or neglected from sections of Sports Illustrated, is a competitive sport. Starting young in rivaling high schools, it is always about who is louder, which team displays more spirit, and how many crowd-pleasing stunts are nailed. Eventually competition grows, and not all, but some teams go cross-country just to show off their impressive toe touches to fast paced music. Complex, right? That is just the half. Strict deadlines are given to cheer teams to create their show stopping performances that are often only showcased at competitions or homecoming games.
Why do some say cheerleading is not a sport? Although rivalry can become of intense games, cheerleaders do not attend games to compete with other teams. In addition, cheer squads are solely as entertainment for the crowd and team it is rooting for. Those who do not consider cheer a sport often feel like cheer is unskillful and a mission that can be executed by anyone with a voice and team spirit. Most would also argue that there is a lack of strategy. Often made fun of in movies and TV shows, how would one take cheerleading and its participators seriously as a sport?
The best part of a nail-biting close rivaling football game is the emotion, and cheer teams provide just that for not only those in the stands but those on fields as well. Cheerleaders are responsible for getting the crowd fired up. They are required to paint a picture of happiness even after hard practices. They are the foundation of every sports team.
Something to remember about cheerleaders is that they are teamwork champions. In order to successfully complete a stunt or compete, just like any televised sports team, they must work together to create above average basket tosses and perfect pyramids. Cheerleading is also inclusive. Most cheer teams are co-ed, and require all shapes and sizes. Cheer teams scout for strong bases, spotters, and high-flying light team members to create a beautiful finished product.
Cheerleading, an underrated competitive, teamwork, filled sport, deserves more recognition and support. Let’s be honest, how many of us can land three backflips in a row and maintain a smile? What would our stands look like without our amazing stuntmen and women? Cheer depends on tenacity all while holding a team on each back of those who love what they do.
