cheerleading

Cheerleading is a team activity that combines organized chants, dances, jumps, stunts, and tumbling to support or entertain audiences, typically as part of a school, college, or club program. It includes two main forms: sideline cheerleading, performed to rally fans during athletic events, and competitive cheerleading, where teams perform routines judged on difficulty, technique, and synchronization.

Historically, cheerleading originated in the late 19th century in the United States, with the first college cheer identified at the University of Minnesota in 1898. Initially male-dominated, the activity evolved to include women and a broader range of school and community programs. The modern competitive aspect emerged in the late 20th century, leading to organized all-star programs and formal coaching frameworks. Today, cheerleading is governed by national and international bodies that promote safety, standardization, and competition formats.

Typical activities and roles include stunts (pyramids and partner stunts), tumbling (handsprings, flips, and other gymnastic elements), jumps, dances, and standardized chants or songs. Positions such as base, flyer, and spotter are used to execute stunts, with safety spotters and trained coaches emphasizing technique and risk reduction.

Competitions are conducted at local, national, and international levels. Sideline cheer focuses on supporting teams and engaging audiences, while competitive cheer emphasizes routine composition, difficulty, execution, timing, and artistry. Scoring often considers difficulty value, technique, synchronization, tumbling performance, and safety compliance.

Safety is a central concern due to the athletic nature of stunts and tumbling. Programs commonly require training, proper spotting, the use of mats, and adherence to established safety guidelines and age-appropriate progressions. Cheerleading continues to offer opportunities in athletics, coaching, choreography, and scholarship for participants at various levels.