Is Cheerleading A Sport Essay

Cheerleading to be Considered a Sport? Cheerleading was at first created as a form of entertainment for crowds at football games in 1898; yet, over 100 years after the creation of the activity, cheerleading has not evolved very much. Cheerleaders tumble and perform stunts to entertain the fans and attract attention during half times and time outs. Yet many question if the activity is truly a sport? Some believe, due to the level of skill and flexibility required, it is considered a sport. However, because competition is not required, recognition by collegiate programs does not exist, and cheerleading fails to meet a sports definition, it is unquestionably an activity. To begin, cheerleading requires enthusiasm and energy to interest crowds and draw their attention, though they rarely take part in competition and the stresses of a game. One of the main reasons this is not a sport is because the top priority is not competition. In sports such as basketball and baseball or soccer and tennis, athletes spend hours perfecting their skills to defeat other teams in a game or match. According to Alyssa Roenigk, a former cheerleader at the University of Florida, state 's “Sports teams exist to complete, not to perform and entertain or support another

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a sport can be defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Although many may argue that cheerleading is a form of entertainment for crowds, people often do not attend to games and matches for this aspect. Cheerleading is defined as “an activity involving the performance of organized cheering, chanting, and dancing in support of a sports team at games.” Clearly the definitions of a sport and that of cheerleading contradict one another showing this activity is most definitely not a