Wide-Open Future

So, is cheerleading a sport?

Ask the National Federation of State High School Associations, Women’s Sports Foundation, and NCAA, and the answer is no. Ask the NAIA–a less prominent governing body for college sports–and the International Olympic Committee–which voted this summer to add cheerleading, along with rock climbing, skateboarding, and break dancing, to its list of official Olympic sports–and you’ll hear the opposite.

The answer is subject to change over time, just as cheerleading has been. It actually began as a male-only activity, popping up just before the turn of the 20th century when universities only admitted men. Cheerleading was viewed as a noble and masculine activity; an article from 1911 in The Nation reads: “The reputation of having been a valiant ‘cheer-leader’ is one of the most valuable things a boy can take away from college. As a title to promotion in professional or public life, it ranks hardly second to that of having been a quarterback.” 

Even a handful of presidents spent part of their higher education on the sidelines–FDR, Eisenhower, Reagan, and both Bushes all cheered at their respective colleges.

The true history stands sharply against modern-day scoffs about cheer’s bedazzled outfits, perceived hyper-femininity, and supposed lack of skill, all aiming to disparage a discipline that is now 97% female.

No matter the designation, it’s clear that the safety and wellbeing of cheerleaders has to be protected. NFL cheer is tainted by over-sexualization, exploitation, and strict control of cheerleaders (including weight restrictions), and multiple lawsuits have been filed against NFL franchises by cheerleaders who allege mistreatment under their employers. 

“We were harassed, bullied and body-shamed for $7.25 an hour,” said former cheerleader Ainsley Parish amid a lawsuit brought against the Houston Texans.

The participants in this important component of Americana shouldn’t need to earn the “sport” title to be worthy of respect and safety.