Cheerleading is a sport based on presentation. Like gymnasts, cheerleaders must look put together when performing, lest they lose points for sloppy appearances. That’s not to say that cute, colorful outfits don’t serve a purpose—tighter clothing prevents flailing limbs and spinning bodies from getting caught, a common threat to athletes. However, the real problem comes when maintaining appearances is considered more critical than athlete safety.
At the world championships, cheerleaders are taught to adopt the “throw it” mentality. Regardless of technique or skill, if cheerleaders can complete a trick, they better throw it and win as many points as possible for their team. Complex tricks, like back tucks and full twists, earn more points than lower-level skills, such as round-offs and back handsprings, because they require more training to complete.
Cheerleaders take tumbling classes, and they move up the ranks depending on what skills they complete. From a handstand to a back handspring to a standing tuck, as long as they can flip without falling, they’re considered ready for the next step—but this mentality puts the athletes in danger.
In complex sports like gymnastics, the proper technique is crucial to preserving the health and safety of the athlete. It takes gymnasts years to master certain skills because they must show that they can complete the skill safely and confidently before they’re allowed to show it off.
Cheerleading takes gymnastics and mixes elements of dance and weight-lifting to complete not only single stunts but also group stunts. For these stunts, cheerleaders rely on each other to throw and catch teammates to complete complex jumps and twists in midair. If the performers worry more about looking good than completing a skill safely, the health of everybody in the group is put at risk.
The throw-it mentality is an intense one. It wins championships and brings teams to victory, but it should also be supported with adequate preparation for the safety of everyone involved.
