There are many people out there with the firm belief that cheerleading isn't a sport. The fact that cheerleaders do not tackle the opposition to the ground for a ball doesn't signify that they're not athletes. Cheerleaders train just as hard as "real athletes" train. Cheerleaders practice sessions are just as intensive and there contests are even more intense then a basketball or football game. The cheerleaders sport, contrary to most, isn't a selfish one. Part of getting on a cheerleading squad is treasuring and cheering on fellow athletes. The same athletes that insult there sport. What is it that qualifies an activity to constitute a sport? Is it a ball? No, wrestling is a sport and it does not incorporate a ball. Is it the sweat? Can't be the sweat, cheerleaders sweat just as much (but they just hide it well!) Is it the practice sessions? Nope, cheerleading practices are more intense than numerous other sports practices. The audience? Nope, can't be that either, audiences at competitions out number those at a lot of ballgames! So WHAT is it?! Cheerleading takes just as much dedication and skill if not more as any other sport. The trouble is that other athletes have no idea what it requires to be a cheerleader. They make it appear so simple. They fly through the air with grace, we catch there teammates as if they're feathers floating from the sky. They do not realize the technique and time it requires to master these skills. To them, cheerleading isn't a game, comparable to football or basketball, cheerleading is a way of LIFE. Cheerleading, to a higher degree any other sport, teaches crucial skills such as cooperating. Face it, whenever a cheerleading squad can not cooperate, stunts won't work and people end up getting hurt. Many other sports promote team work, and they might lose a game if they don't cooperate;. however for the most part, no one gets injured. What does a "sport" have that cheerleading doesn't? Cheerleaders practice, compete, have rules, are put through training, sweat, fall, get hurt, and dedicate there lives to cheerleading...there's not any logical reason as to why why cheerleading to this day isn't considered a sport.