ENG 102 –T/Th
Cheerleading does take athletisim!
What is a definition of a sport? Who and what qualifications decide what a sport is? Is it the amount of physical activity, the number of injuries the activity obtains, or the number of competitions in which one participates? Many people believe that cheerleading is not a true sport because of its original meaning, to lead a crowd with yells and cheers. With the contribution of stereotypes and the image of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, it is no wonder that most people think that cheerleaders are just girls in short skirts shaking pom poms. The truth is, they are wrong. Over the years, cheerleading has evolved from girls standing on the side lines to athletes participating in competitive events. Cheerleading is no longer just a recreational activity; it’s an athletic sport. It’s a combination of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatic stunts all combined in one. Many cheerleaders and cheer programs across the U.S. are fighting for the right of being able to have the title of being called a sport. Why is the title so important, you might ask? For some schools having the title of being a sport helps increase financial funds for the program. It also increases respect towards the cheerleaders since they will be recognized as athletes, which is very important to them.
Over the past 30 years cheerleading has had a dramatic increase in popularity. From at a young age in elementary school to adults in college, cheerleaders are around showing their school spirit, supporting athletic teams, performing in unison as a team, and also competing against other teams. According to the AACCA(American Association Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, the most distinctive changing aspect of cheerleading is its increased “athleticism.” In today’s world cheerleaders possess the strength of a football player, stamina of a track runner, agility of a gymnast, and grace of a dancer.(AACCA)
There have been many factors that have help...