DID YOU KNOW?

Published by: Christiana Adedayo

DID YOU KNOW?

There are over 8000 sports played in the world. Although, roughly 200 sports are recognized; having a national or international federation governing body.

Among these sports is the stereotyped ones which aren't even recorded as sport. However, did you know Cheerleading is also a type of sport?

Yes! It is because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially recognized it. According to Jeff Webb, president of the International Cheer Union (ICU) which represents national cheerleading federation in 114 countries; "the list of sports slated to be included at the 2024 Paris Olympics which will include 50 percent female athletes, a first for the Games- has already been approved". 

This means that the 2028 Los Angeles Games are the earliest that cheerleading could make it's Olympic debut. Although, cheerleading isn't recognized as sport because it's believed to be something done for amusement and boosting of morale by people on the sideline. 

However, it involves skills and physical effort which clearly defines the phenom "SPORT".

                  HOW IT STARTED

In 1898, University of Minnesota, a student by the name Johnny Campbell directed a crowd in cheer at a football game and soon after, the university of Minnesota formed a "Yell leader" squad of six males.

Cheerleading began as an all-male endeavor, but females began participating in 1923, incorporating gymnastics, tumbling and megaphones into cheerleading.

Today, cheerleaders uses organized routines that incorporate tumbling, dance and stunting to lead cheers at sporting events and to compete in cheerleading competitions. 

Cheerleading organization such as the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators sprang up to create safety guidelines to lessen the chances of injury.

In 2003, the United States All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance Team (USASF) was formed to be the national governing body for all star cheerleading and to create rules and standards for competitions.

RANGE FOR COMPETITION

Under USASF rules, cheerleaders compete in the following divisions:

* Tiny Cheer - 5 years and younger

* Mini Cheer - 8 years and younger

* Youth Cheer - 11 years and younger

* Junior Cheer - 14 years and younger

* Senior Cheer - 18 years and younger

* International Open Cheer - 14 years and Older

* Special Needs Cheer - Any age

* Open Cheer - 17years and Older

BENEFITS OF CHEERLEADING AS A SPORT TO THE BODY.

Sport do not just amuse the spectators and it's players. It's does the following;

• Cheerleading helps build physical endurance

• Cheerleading aids strength training

• Cheerleading helps the body with flexibility

• Cheerleading aids coordination

• Cheerleading helps develops team player and leadership skills

• Cheerleading aids positive mood

Reference:

The Sport Rules Book - N.C Jindal public school.

Julianne McShane article.