Why is cheerleading considered a sport in the U.S.?

The American Medical Association says cheerleading should be considered a sport because of its rigors and risks. The nation's largest doctors' group adopted that as policy Monday at its annual meeting in Chicago. read more

Cheerleading is a sport because it’s a competitive strenuous physical activity. It requires a lot of physical ability, and it incorporates the same activities as gymnastics etc. Cheerleading doesn’t objectify women: it’s society that objectifies cheerleaders. read more

In other words, cheerleading is more than a sport. In 2011, USA Cheer, the national governing body for sport cheering in the United States, launched the sport of STUNT to create new opportunities for female athletes at the collegiate and high school levels while allowing traditional cheerleading to remain a vital and important part of a school’s spirit program. read more

Not only is Cheerleading considered to be one of the hardest sports, but a recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that Cheerleading is the most dangerous sport for females due to the high risk of severe injuries including concussions, broken bones, permanent disabilities and paralyzation, and risk of injuries causing a shorter lifespan. read more