Andre has already posted his response and I generally agree with his points. But whether it IS a sport is a different question as to whether it should be recognized as a sport and that is just as important. And I don’t know the answer to that.
But I have seen many supporters pushing for that resolution because they are confident that the recognition (whether NCAA or various state athletic associations for high school competitive teams) will immediately result in improved standards, increased funding and overall improvement of the current situation. I just have serious doubts about that result. I think the more likely result will be the reduction or complete elimination of competitive teams at the high school or college level.
I also don’t know what, if any, impact it would have on All*Star sport cheer teams. The law of unintended consequences has caused many unforeseen problems in this country, particularly when government authority seeks to “solve” problems.
Bill Presson
P.S. This is Part II of responding to the question Is Cheerleading a Sport?
- Part I by Andre
- Part II by ACEDAD
- Part III by Bill Seely, Executive Director of USA Cheer