A sport can be defined as an activity that engages in competition and follows rules accordingly. Previously, cheerleading and dance squads were not commonly considered a sport because of the inability to compete against an opponent.
However, things have changed. There are numerous cheerleading competitions all over the world. These competitions are governed by rules and regulations just like football, basketball and any other popular considered sport.
Much like cheerleading, dance is considered to
be more of an art form rather than a sport. However many would argue that it is a sport because it has the same components as cheerleading. You must have flexibility, strength and stamina. It's a fact that many coaches encourage their athletes to get involved with dance classes to enhance their flexibility.
But one question remains. Now that cheerleading falls up under the athletic calendar, is it just because they are associated with both basketball and football? Whether the answer is yes or no, Coach Kenya Sailor believes that her girls are athletes. "Competitive cheerleading involves a lot of physical activity which includes tumbling, lifts and tosses," she says. "These physical activities
GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION?
Do Some Still Think Cheerleading is Not a Sport?
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