Discover the expert in you.
Cheerleading is a physical activity in which a team of cheerleaders performs short, organized routines that include jumping, cheering, tumbling and dancing. Cheerleaders perform these routines to cheer on a sports team or to participate in competitions. Individuals in high school who are looking to join a cheerleading team should prepare by getting in shape, practicing cheers and knowing what skills are necessary to be a part of the team.
The roots of cheerleading can be traced back to 1898, when Johnny Campbell --- a student of the University of Minnesota --- gave himself the title of the first cheerleader ever. About five years later, the world saw the birth of the maiden cheerleading society, entitled "Gamma Sigma." Since then, there has been no looking back, as cheerleaders have entered into many sports played today. Cheerleaders perform several activities and even have competitions of their own.
Go! Fight! Win! The job of the cheerleader is to motivate and encourage players and fans in support of the game so the team gets the big win. For high school cheerleaders, trying out for the squad doesn’t only mean clapping and kicking. There are several rules that must be followed for consideration on the cheerleading team.
High school cheerleading competitions are subject to strict rules and regulations that differ per state. Because competitive cheerleading can have an intense emotional and physical impact on students, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators put together a manual with rules that assure the safety of the cheerleaders. Cheerleading coaches can obtain a certification form the AACCA, which will comfort the students and parents knowing that they are being taught under the safest conditions.
National cheerleading rules serve to provide safety regulations in the competitive and entertainment stages of high school cheerleading. The set rules and guidelines prevent injury to cheer participants by setting allowable stunts and cheer teaching methods. Learning the rules of national high school cheerleading will ensure the safety of your squad, as well as safeguard against disqualification in competition.
High school cheerleaders play an important role in livening up school and sporting events with their choreographed cheers, dance and gymnastic routines. They can help rile up the athletes and fans during important moments throughout the game. Trying out for the school cheerleading squad can be a daunting task. The right routine and a positive attitude can show the judges you have what it takes to be a part of the squad.
While different squads and schools might have their own regulations, there are national-level rules for high school cheerleaders and coaches to keep in mind. The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) assembles a list of rules and regulations that high school teams should adhere to. This nonprofit organization works with more than 70,000 coaches across the country to provide guidelines that help protect the safety of the cheerleaders.
In Georgia, regional and state cheerleading competitions are held in November each year. Competitions are divided into groups, called "classifications," that are based primarily on school size. The only exception is for coed teams, which all compete against each other, regardless of their individual classifications.
Cheerleading has become a highly athletic sport for its participants. According to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, participation in cheerleading has grown 18 percent from 1990. Injuries related to this sport more than doubled, as well. The Iowa Cheerleading Coaches' Association and the Iowa High School Athletic Association make rules for all Iowa cheerleaders and coaches to ensure that all the athletes stay safe during practice and meets. It is the coaches' responsibility to know the rules and to review them with their cheerleaders frequently throughout the year.
High school cheerleading has evolved over the years from leading chants by sports fans to a competitive sport. The sport of high school cheerleading involves dance routines, airborne jumps, tumbling routines, stunts, pyramids, and leading cheers. The modern cheerleader has had years of gymnastics and athletic training in order to be qualified for high school cheerleading.
Over 3 million people participate and compete in cheerleading every year, moving it from activity status to a sport in its own right. Cheerleaders are strong and agile athletes, and as in other sports, certain rules and regulations have been adopted to protect the participants from injury.
Cheerleading is a highly competitive sport in some high schools. Cheerleaders are highly motivated, flexible, bubbly and very active in their extra-curricular activities. Choosing the right girls and guys for the team is important, as you want to make sure your squad is strong.
Image is everything when you're in high school, so aim high and start hanging around by the football field if you want to catch a cheerleader's eye. There are actions involved to make sure she's going to draw your name in hearts and stars on all her notebooks forever. Here are some steps to catch and date a cheerleader while in high school.
Daring and competitive, high school cheerleading incorporates elements of dance, gymnastics and stunting into one exhilarating sport. If you want to be a high school cheerleading coach, you should enjoy all of these genres and have a general knowledge of the sport.