is high school cheerleading a sport?

FLYER4EVER · Member

is high school cheerleading a sport?

FLYER4EVER · Member

OC Mom wrote:

Cheer is why my kid even goes to school. Let's just make that clear. If it weren't for cheer, she wouldn't really care too much. School is boring and starts way too early for a teenager. Basic teenology tells us all that they don't function before 10 am and can't sleep before 11pm. That's first day stuff.

Cheer is a sport and we all know that. That goes unsaid. BUT if you want to be on a level 5 team, you have to have what is REQUIRED to do so. So, should I start suing cause my kid didn't make the level 5 team even though she doesn't have a full?

Unfortunatly I believe that this parent is thinking that this sport is a club, and should she be allowed to participate, she's in for a rude awakening. I would let this parent know why there are rules AND what is required to be a cheerleader. If the kid can't keep up the grades, then how can she spend the hours of practice, games, travel, expenses, etc?????

I can only go by what happens at my daughters school. And all I can tell you is, I've already gone door to door selling car wash tickets, flown her from San Jose to Orange County a day early than we were suppose to be home so she could wash cars at a MANDATORY fundraiser, sold 5 gold cards as another fundraiser, driven her to practice after practice AND IT'S ONLY MAY. Yea, if she can't keep up the grades, how is she ever going to even START to put in the time and effort that is required? I wouldn't want her OR her parent on our team. Sorry....

Wow that was harsh especially since we dont even know her or her mother. To say you dont want her or her mother on your team. I thought you were a cheer mom and not a coach.

Jodi · Senior Member

I think that cheer is a sport at most schools.

Now let's talk about the grade issue. I love cheerleading, I love that my grown-up job is coaching cheerleading. However, I also know that not everyone will have the same great oppurtunity. Grades should be each STUDENT athletes priority. You are afterall, a student first. I only hope that parents see that that is what their child's priority is, not being a cheerleader.

Have a great day!

cheerwatcher · GURU

FLYER4EVER wrote:
OC Mom wrote:

Cheer is why my kid even goes to school. Let's just make that clear. If it weren't for cheer, she wouldn't really care too much. School is boring and starts way too early for a teenager. Basic teenology tells us all that they don't function before 10 am and can't sleep before 11pm. That's first day stuff.

Cheer is a sport and we all know that. That goes unsaid. BUT if you want to be on a level 5 team, you have to have what is REQUIRED to do so. So, should I start suing cause my kid didn't make the level 5 team even though she doesn't have a full?

Unfortunatly I believe that this parent is thinking that this sport is a club, and should she be allowed to participate, she's in for a rude awakening. I would let this parent know why there are rules AND what is required to be a cheerleader. If the kid can't keep up the grades, then how can she spend the hours of practice, games, travel, expenses, etc?????

I can only go by what happens at my daughters school. And all I can tell you is, I've already gone door to door selling car wash tickets, flown her from San Jose to Orange County a day early than we were suppose to be home so she could wash cars at a MANDATORY fundraiser, sold 5 gold cards as another fundraiser, driven her to practice after practice AND IT'S ONLY MAY. Yea, if she can't keep up the grades, how is she ever going to even START to put in the time and effort that is required? I wouldn't want her OR her parent on our team. Sorry....

Wow that was harsh especially since we dont even know her or her mother. To say you dont want her or her mother on your team. I thought you were a cheer mom and not a coach.

OC MOM was just stating that if this were the situation ( a mom suing because her daughter didn't make the team due to lack of a minimum GPA of 2.00) That she'd rather not have either one. I dont blame her either, in fact I agree. But as the mother came on here and already stated that wasn't the entire situation. Its situations like this that cause unneccessary arguments.

Hope everyone has a great day! The weather is beautiful!

FLYER4EVER · Member

didnt hear any arguments. Just comments.

cheerwatcher · GURU

well i think we have all seen how they start. Call me a hippie but i like the peace! haha jp

ACM · Veteran Member

cheermom wrote:

I find it difficult to believe that a high school tryout would be handled unappropriately.
-- Edited by cheermom at 10:18, 2007-05-23

I have to disagree on this one.

Cheer tryouts at some schools are so political. I have heard of several stories in the news over the years, where cheer tryouts were not handled appropriately. And although have never been on the end of this unjustice, I have overheard hs cheer advisors & cheer coaches make comments about not wanting certain individuals on teams due to their own personal reasons (like their favorite team member not getting along with the other person because they like their ex-boyfriend) completely unrelated to grades, talent, or teacher recommendations.

So again, we do not know the circumstances of this particular situation, but I do hope the results of the investigation do bring problems with the process into light and handled appropriately.

JST ME · Veteran Member

ACM wrote:

cheermom wrote:

I find it difficult to believe that a high school tryout would be handled unappropriately.
-- Edited by cheermom at 10:18, 2007-05-23

I have to disagree on this one.

Cheer tryouts at some schools are so political. I have heard of several stories in the news over the years, where cheer tryouts were not handled appropriately. And although have never been on the end of this unjustice, I have overheard hs cheer advisors & cheer coaches make comments about not wanting certain individuals on teams due to their own personal reasons (like their favorite team member not getting along with the other person because they like their ex-boyfriend) completely unrelated to grades, talent, or teacher recommendations.

So again, we do not know the circumstances of this particular situation, but I do hope the results of the investigation do bring problems with the process into light and handled appropriately.

I agree, it does happen. And it happens in other sports, clubs, groups, and just everyday life.

Danny · Senior Member

Yeahhhh HS Try-outs can be pretty shady. I've seen it first hand. I have never disagreed with the decisions made that were shady. It was always just sad that the advisor couldn't be upfront about her decisions. Instead she has to make up some excuse like "uhhhh your jumps were low."

The football coach makes no apologies for his decisions and uses no scoresheets for his tryouts. If the cheer advisors were given the same flexibility to form their teams there wouldn't be any need for inappropriate practices at try-outs.

The advisor is the one who has to deal with that one little snot and her never satisfied parents ALL YEAR LONG. She should have the power to say "nope...not this year" and send em on their way.

Sorry for entering a quick dream world there.

PS: Until problem in paragraph 2 above is solved I have to vote NO. High School Cheerleading is not a sport.

Cheer411 · Senior Member

Danny wrote:

The football coach makes no apologies for his decisions and uses no scoresheets for his tryouts. If the cheer advisors were given the same flexibility to form their teams there wouldn't be any need for inappropriate practices at try-outs.

The advisor is the one who has to deal with that one little snot and her never satisfied parents ALL YEAR LONG. She should have the power to say "nope...not this year" and send em on their way.

Sorry for entering a quick dream world there.

You are ABSOLUTELY right!

Is cheerleading the only sport/activity that allows other people (judges) to pick there teams?   Yes, why can't a cheer advisor select his/her own team?

I must say, I personally, know several people that coach other sports (football, basketball, etc). Even though, it appears that the coaches are able to select their team members with out justification, this is not always the case. The coaches receive emails, telephone calls, or even knocks on their home door from the parents, of the students, that are cut from their teams. Some of those conversations are pleasant, but gosh, some are so scary.

Some of these threats have come in the way of: Verbal, physical contact, personal property damage (slash car tires, break out car windows, damage the coach's homes, etc.)   Now you would think these acts are being conducted by the student, but it's not. IT'S THE PARENTS!

It's a wonder that we even have anyone that wants to coach a sport at all.

Parents, if you don't think that you could be the reason that your child is cut from a school sport, think again. It is the total package (You and your child). If you give the coaches a bunch of grief one season, you can bet your kid will not be back on the team next season. Who would want to put up with a parent that is constantly challenging every decision/suggestion you make as a coach?

If you think there is a better way to coach, by all means step up and volunteer. I'm sure the schools can use the help. However, be prepared to eat, drink, and sleep the sport you coach. It's a 24 hour job - at least mentally. Oh and be prepared to have all the right answers for the "next complaining parent".

-- Edited by Cheer411 at 07:26, 2007-05-24

OC Mom · GURU

Not harsh, my opinion. I don't want someone who's throwing a fit RIGHT OFF THE BAT. Why does everyone know about this? Why isn't it handled in the office or classroom in private? Sorry, don't want to deal with the drama all year long. Not harsh, my opinion...

And please keep in mind that I am going on the information that we were 1. given and 2. been discussing. NOT on this PARTICULAR case. I am just imagining a parent saying, "My kid gets Fs but she should be on this team." Yea, well, can my kid not go to practice then and still be on the team too????

I will bet any money that this kid and mom would be my DEAREST friends if we ever met. Anyone who knows me know this is true BUT...... (and i have a big butt here) it''s all about commitment here. My daughter isn't Straight A Abbey here. But she is commited to what is required to make and STAY on this team. And if the requirements are grades.... well... I don't need to say any more.

-- Edited by OC Mom at 08:47, 2007-05-24

4jesus · Newbie

OC mom, you are right. We would probably be friends if & when we meet.

I have been a cheer advisor and currently own my own dance team and deal
with parents daily. And know how hard it is to deal with the kids and their
parents. I look at this as another learning experience. smile

cheermom · Veteran Member

It's okay OC mom. You have a right to your opinion. I wouldn't like to deal with all the drama all season long either.

BASED ON THE INFORMATION OF THE FIRST POST ONLY - If grades was one of the conditions to be on the team, and the this condition was not met then the person doesn't make the team. Plain and simple. End of story.

-- Edited by cheermom at 09:39, 2007-05-24

OC Mom · GURU

That's EXACTLY what I meant and was thinking. 4jesus, we know there's no way to get every aspect of the story. Especially on a message board. My opinion was based on the original post and question. And we alllllllll know the
parent who throws tantrums when something doesn't go right. And it's a strain on EVERYONE involved. Sorry, but I just don't want that person on the team. And I'm talking about the cheerleader as well as the parent. There are rules for a reason. Yep, some get bent but they are there because it's a necessity.

As for the football coach, why doesn't the cheer advisor get the same advantage??? Ooooooo wish the coaches or advisors could do the same. Our lives and season would be oh so pleasant....

superstar · Member

I agree.

If this topic was solely on:
Should there be a grade requirement for HS cheer? YES!
Should the grade requirement be 2.0? YES!
Should there be exceptions for students that dont get a 2.0 in spring semester? NO!
Is a 2.0 hard to attain? NO!

AHSCheer · Newbie

I am a HS Cheer coach and I wish i had the same advantage as the other coaches....believe me, I have asked!! One of their answers was "cheer parents arn't the same as others"....Its was pretty funny actually. I would love to run our tryouts like anyother sport. I very much dislike having to pay someone to come "judge" our tryouts just for the sake of the parents.

And to answer the question...is HS cheerleading a sport?? I would say it depends on what HS were talking about. It's definetly a sport at our HS. We're pretty competitive. But there are a lot of HS cheer programs that I feel are more like a "pep club"...

just my opinion....

Cheer Parent · Senior Member

I know one thing somehow someway we have to figure out how to change the publics perception of cheerleaders. Example: My oldest daughter a junior @ Sac State who is majoring in Psychology went on an interview to intern at a highschool for the mentally ill. During the interview which was going well the prospective employer suddenly noticed my daughter was a cheerleader. The interviewer was appalled that she was a cheerleader and said she was suprised she even made that far in college. She also said that all the cheerleaders at her daughters school were crack heads. I kid you not I was so furious I wanted blood. But my daughter will all the grace said to the interviewer that she obviously had a wrong perception of her and cheerleaders in general and that she was stereo typing and very gracfully declined the interview at that point. In large I still think alot of people think that way whether it be from bad experiences with cheer in general or just a bad stigma that we just cant seem to shake. Its not all about the skirt and popularity its about personal pride and dedication to something that they belive in.

Cheer411 · Senior Member

Cheer Parent wrote:

I know one thing somehow someway we have to figure out how to change the publics perception of cheerleaders. Example: My oldest daughter a junior @ Sac State who is majoring in Psychology went on an interview to intern at a highschool for the mentally ill. During the interview which was going well the prospective employer suddenly noticed my daughter was a cheerleader. The interviewer was appalled that she was a cheerleader and said she was suprised she even made that far in college. She also said that all the cheerleaders at her daughters school were crack heads. I kid you not I was so furious I wanted blood. But my daughter will all the grace said to the interviewer that she obviously had a wrong perception of her and cheerleaders in general and that she was stereo typing and very gracfully declined the interview at that point. In large I still think alot of people think that way whether it be from bad experiences with cheer in general or just a bad stigma that we just cant seem to shake. Its not all about the skirt and popularity its about personal pride and dedication to something that they belive in.

That's a crazy stereotype! I've never heard that one before. And I have to tell you, I've heard of several others. cry

Hmm, I wonder what high school the interviewer's daughter attended?

cheer1 · Veteran Member

To all Yes I think high school cheer is a sport. Yes high school tryouts can be handled inappropriately. There have been law suits before I remember one in fact about 5 or 6 years ago dealing with tryout judges scores being changed. It happened in Palmdale / Lancaster area. The one year my kid did high school cheer they got a grade in it. (It counted as P.E.) I don't know about other districts but ours did give a grade in it. I also think it was considered both a sport and club. High school cheer where we live is just as expensive as allstar. They also make you choose between allstar and school. (Schools saying you can't do both) Now I think That's a law suit. Nobody is going to tell me what I or my kid can or cannot do outside of school. He cheered for school his freshman year and then we went to allstar cheer.

Being a mom of a special needs child (learning disabilities, Tourette"s, ocd) I myself have a sore spot about the grade issue. (fortunatlly my kid had and IEP)
Had he not had that he probably would not have been aloud to cheer because of grades. ONE THING I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR TO ALL PARENTS CHEER COACHES AND CHEER LEADERS. CHEER BROUGHT MY KID OUT OF HIS SHELL. HE WAS ALWAYS A SHY KID AND BECAUSE HE HAD HIS PROBLEMS NO ONE OF COARSE EVER NEW, HE COULD HIDE HIS TIC'S VERY WELL. MAKING FREINDS WAS HARD AND SCHOOL WAS HARD. I HAD ALWAYS HAD HIM IN GYMNASTIC'S SO IF I TOLD YOU HE WAS A SPECIAL NEEDS KID YOU'D PROBABLY THINK I WAS LIEING! (HE HAS ARBIAN THROUGH TO DOUBLE). CHEER CHANGED MY KID. HE WENT FROM BEING A SHY KID TO BEING A LEADER. IT GAVE HIM SELF CONFIDENCE AND BUILT HIS SELF ESTEEM. WITH THAT CAME FREINDSHIPS.
I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT HE FOUND CHEERLEADING.
I THANK GOD FOR THE ALLSTAR COACHES WHO TOOK THE TIME (LET ME TELL YOU ALOT OF TIME AND PATIENCE TO TEACH HIM THE MOTIONS AND DANCE PARTS STILL TO THIS DAY IT TAKES HOURS UPON EXTRA HOURS FOR HIM TO LEARN SOMETHING IT WOULD TAKE YOU AND ME JUST A FEW.) TO WORK WITH HIM.
(This is the first time I have talked about my kids disabilites on a message board . People are still in the dark ages when it comes to people who are different. and pass judgement There is still to much sterotyping and stigma in our society today sometimes evident on this and other message boards).
Sorry about the rambling. Got of the subject there. Do what is best for your kid. We don't know all the circumstances and cannot pass judgement on anyone. If you think something is not right speak up. Good luck to you!

Everyone remember one size does not fit all!

-- Edited by cheer1 at 12:51, 2007-05-27

OC Mom · GURU

Why you WOULDNT talk about it is beyond me. You are making a difference in the world by allowing the coaches and kids to get to know your child. YOU are making the difference. YOU are doing the OTHER kids a justice by ALLOWING your child to be a part of cheer.

YOU ARE THE ONE TO BE COMENDED...

Just wanted to get that straight. Sometimes we all look in the wrong direction when a special needs child is involved. Sometimes we all think we are doing THAT child a service when it's really the OTHER way around.