Podcast

Cheerleading is debated as a sport. While sideline cheerleading is not considered a sport, competitive cheerleading with flips and lifts is seen as a sport by many. Critics argue that cheerleading lacks a set scoring system and is more of a performance than a sport. However, supporters argue that cheerleaders work hard, it is physically demanding, and takes years of practice to excel. Whether cheerleading is a sport is subjective, and the same question can be asked about other performance-based activities like marching band. Opinions vary, but understanding both sides is important. What if I told you to name a sport? What comes to mind? Basketball? Soccer? Football? Baseball? Perhaps tennis? But, is cheerleading among those sports? There's a debate among the sports world. Is cheerleading a sport? I think we can all agree that cheerleading on the sidelines of football and basketball games is not a sport. But what about competitive cheerleading? You know, the five minute performances where they're doing flips and throwing people in the air? Initially, most people say, yes, of course, that's a sport. What about the other half that say no? What do they think? Firstly, one argument that cheerleading isn't a sport is that it isn't like every other sport with the fact that there is no set scoring system. For example, in basketball, if you shoot behind the three point line and it goes in, your team gets three points. It doesn't matter how far the shot was or how pretty the shot looked. If it goes in and you are behind the three point line, you get three points. In soccer, if the ball goes in the goal, your team gets one point. Whether it's a penalty shot or a header off a corner kick, your team gets one point. In cheerleading, however, there are judges who judge how the performance looks. At times, it is purely subjective based off the judges. Another argument cheerleading isn't a sport is because it is more of a performance or a show, not a sport or a game. You could almost compare it to marching band, which isn't a sport. Marching band is also a few minute long performance with judges who score you based on how well you did. So, if cheerleading is a sport, then should marching band be one as well? My sister, who was a competitive cheerleader for 10 years, obviously believes cheerleading is a sport. So, I asked her why she thought cheerleading was a sport. Her first point was she works just as hard as every other sport. I can verify this claim. They practice almost every day to perfect their routine. They also have to put in a lot of work off-season with trainers to perfect their craft. Another point she gave was it is physically demanding. These five-minute routines are high-intensity, fast-paced, and super tiring. Finally, her simplest but most valid point is that it isn't easy. No one can just pick this up and be great at it. It takes years of practice and experience to be great at cheerleading, just like every other sport. So, in conclusion, cheerleading fits the mold of a sport. But if cheerleading is a sport, then should marching band and other performance-based quote-unquote sports also be considered sports? It's all opinion, but knowing both sides of the story is very important. What do you think? Is cheerleading a sport, or is it just a high-intensity performance? Thanks for listening.