Dangers of Cheerleading

Cheerleading is not what it used to be. It is far more competitive and dangerous. Many cheerleaders have become paralized, broken a bone, or even died. According to Dr. Harris' research on cheerleading injuries, emergency room visits have increased five-fold over the past 20 years. In 2001, there were 25,000 hospital visits for cheerleading injuries to the ankle, shoulder, head and neck. Cheerleading doesn't get the support other sports get in terms of access to an athletic trainer and appropriate facilities to practice on like soft mats instead of the last empty space in the gym or hallway.

The Hardest Job.

A big part of cheerleading is the stunts. Stunts consist of the flyer, the bases, the backspot, and in some cases, a front spot. The flyer is the one who is lifted in the air, or on top of a stunt. The bases are the two people who lift the flyer. The backspot is in the back of the stunt. They hold up the flyer by her ankles. The front spot is the one who is in front of the stunt. She can help the bases at times by holding their wrists to support them. Which position do you think would be the hardest to be? Why?

Cheerleading is a Sport

Cheerleading is definitely a sport. Cheerleaders work as hard as any other players for any other team. Sport is defined as competitive physical activity: an individual or group competitive activity involving physical exertion or skill, governed by rules, and sometimes engaged in professionally. Cheerleading requires dedication, and hard work, and competition, this makes it a sport. Write why or why not you think cheerleading is considered a sport.