What is Cheerleading? 

When you hear the word cheerleader, you probably conjure up an image of a skinny girl in a frilly skirt with her hair in a ponytail, a big bow, pom pons, shouting and jumping on the sidelines of a football game.  Well this is only one type of cheerleader.  

Cheerleading has been around since the late 1800s, and what started off as an all-men's activity has transformed into a world of its own.  It caters to both men and women of all age groups and skill levels. 

Cheeerleading is no longer just school-affiliated, there are now different types: all-star, competitive, youth, collegiate, and professional.  It has changed and branched in order to accommodate the millions of participants worldwide.     

Today, cheerleading isn't based on popularity or just being able to jump up and down and yell, "Go team go!" It requires strength, grace, and gymnastic skills; and, it's potentially as dangerous as a sport.  It's a team sport that requires everyone to do their absolute best both physically and mentally.  It's a sport that has its own set of safety laws produced by the AACCA.    

While most sports throw a ball, cheerleaders throw girls in the air and catch them.  What do you do?