Cheerleading has been at the center of a heated debate for decades - is it a sport or not? While the physical demands and competitiveness of cheerleading have skyrocketed over the years, it still lacks key elements that are commonly associated with sports. So, what gives? In this article, we dive into why cheerleading hasn't earned its stripes as a sport, and why that might not be such a bad thing.
Let's start with the elephant in the room: corporate greed. Those at the top of the cheerleading industry - think team owners and competition organizers - have a vested interest in keeping cheerleading unregulated. They don't want the governing bodies to get involved and standardize the industry, as it would likely cut into their profits. So, is it any surprise that cheerleading hasn't been recognized as a sport?
But even if we put corporate greed aside, there's another issue that makes it difficult for cheerleading to be considered a sport - subjective judging. Cheerleading routines are heavily based on artistic and creative elements, making it difficult to have impartial and standardized judging. With so much room for interpretation, it's a tall order to have a set of skills that are considered standard. To top it off, cheerleading is often influenced by trends, with certain elements becoming popular one year and falling out of favor the next.
Now, let's focus on the bright side. Cheerleading doesn't need the title of sport to be appreciated or valued. Just like circus acts and dancing, cheerleading has its own unique and important place in the world of performance and entertainment. Whether it's performed at a competitive level or simply to support a team, cheerleading is a vital and exciting part of the athletic and performance world.
In conclusion, cheerleading isn't a sport due to factors such as corporate greed, subjective judging, and a lack of standardized skills. But that doesn't mean it's any less valuable or exciting. So, let's raise our pom-poms high and celebrate cheerleading for what it is - a thrilling and vital part of the athletic and performance world!