Many people think that cheerleading is an easy sport, which involves only jumping around, yelling, waving pom pons, and being peppy and bubbly. Yes, those are major aspects of cheerleading, but what many do not know, is the physical strain it can put on those involved in the sport. According to a recent report by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, cheerleading is now the number one "serious injury" sport for girls. According to the previously stated report, 65% of all catastrophic injuries that happen to girls, happen on their high school cheerleading squad. http://www.momlogic.com/2010/05/cheerleading_most_dangerous_sport.php
Cheerleading is becoming a serious sport, one that is both dangerous and requires the athlete to be in good physical condition. Yes, I know you're thinking you've seen quite a few heavy cheerleaders dring high school basketball or football games, but let me tell you, I'm sure they aren't able to do nearly as much as those who are in good physical condition. I will admit, I'm a few pounds heavier than I was when I was a freshman, and those added pounds make it difficult for me to do some of the things required on my squad. Needless to say, I need to get in shape. I know I am not fat though, so think about how difficult it would be for a heavy person to do a backhandspring, or a double toe touch. My coach even has a weight limit for our flyers. Go above her limit, sorry, no more flying for you. This may sound harsh, but speaking from a base's point of view, it's hard on my wrists and my shoulders and arms to hold someone up in the air for a given amount of time, without adding on extra weight.
So anyway, back to cheerleading being dangerous. If you do not have the proper coaching in your background, or do not listen to what your coach tells you, you could become seriously injured by many of things cheerleaders do. Let's focus on tumbling for a second. Yes, all of those gymnastics moves, flips, etc, look really cool, but they are also very dangerous. One wrong move such as not staying tight during your routine, putting a hand or foot in the wrong place at the wrong moment, could all cause life altering injuries. One could suffer from back or neck injuries as a result of not being careful. Not to mention the people who come out of cheerleading with bad wrists, kness, and ankles. Stunting is also a very dangerous feat. Three people holding one person up in the air is not something that should be taken lightly. One wrong move from any one person in the group could result in everyone getting hurt!
I know many of you are thinking I'm probably just exaggerating about how dangerous cheerleading can be. I'm not overreacting, cheerleading can be fun, but if you don't take it seriously, it can really screw up your future. Check out this video and see that I am not just being over dramatic.
GO YOU! I'm glad you did your research because I agree with you. A lot of people disagree with cheerleading being called a sport because they say its not competitive. In reality, everything about it is competitive. Who has the best routine, jumps, tumbling, and so on. I think that people need to watch more cheerleading competitions or even a practice of a cheerleading squad to fully understand. I think we condition harder than any other sport because we not condition after practice but our whole practice is basically conditioning our bodies. Everyday cheerleaders put their selves and others at risk throwing harder and more advanced tumbling and stunts.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to disagree. I believe we all know that the most dangerous sport for women is Curling. I mean the physicality of the sport is just so demanding. Don't quote me on this, but I've heard that more people have died playing this sport than any other sport..ever. Watch this video and you will understand why it is the most dangerous sport for women. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idSdnubrlds
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