There may be many reasons for this, but a big reason is that some do not compete. A lot of cheerleaders actually do compete in local, regional, or national competitions, like the University of Kansas squad who have won 21 national titles. However, like the Dallas Cowboy’s cheerleaders, many still do not compete. Even if a cheerleader does not compete in a literal competition, cheerleaders often compete with themselves or their peers to be as fit as they can be. In a study on cheerleaders, 39% of the girls said their squad would have regular weigh-ins to ensure that all the girls were maintaining a weight. About 40% of the same girls agreed that their cheering would improve if they lost 5 pounds (Reel & Gill, 1996). These girls, whether they participate in competitions or not, have so much more going on than just training. These girls are pushed to their limits while maintaining a weight; they are constantly being compared to each other by themselves, coaches, and parents. Cheerleaders do compete because cheerleaders have extremely high standards to live up
There may be many reasons for this, but a big reason is that some do not compete. A lot of cheerleaders actually do compete in local, regional, or national competitions, like the University of Kansas squad who have won 21 national titles. However, like the Dallas Cowboy’s cheerleaders, many still do not compete. Even if a cheerleader does not compete in a literal competition, cheerleaders often compete with themselves or their peers to be as fit as they can be. In a study on cheerleaders, 39% of the girls said their squad would have regular weigh-ins to ensure that all the girls were maintaining a weight. About 40% of the same girls agreed that their cheering would improve if they lost 5 pounds (Reel & Gill, 1996). These girls, whether they participate in competitions or not, have so much more going on than just training. These girls are pushed to their limits while maintaining a weight; they are constantly being compared to each other by themselves, coaches, and parents. Cheerleaders do compete because cheerleaders have extremely high standards to live up