Get HAHS Cheerleading Merit/Demerit System

The reasons for this are varied, but essentially, cheerleaders have not traditionally competed (this of course is changing and changing rapidly at that), and many people don't consider doing routines a "sport" in the same way that football or basketball is a sport.

Cheerleading involves throwing, catching, spinning, and flipping, which all involve physical exertion. Cheerleaders compete in multiple competitions, including Nationals, which is where top teams from all over the nation come together to compete for the top spot.

Demerits are assigned as part of the disciplinary process. They shall be given for any violation of rules or expectations of the cheerleaders. The demerit system shall be enforced at the discretion of the coaches.

The adoption of cheerleading makes California the ninth state to recognize it as a competitive sport.

Routines evolved from mild performances to creative stunts, complex dance steps, and intricate tumbles. To properly execute these, polyester and spandex were used for their fabrics. The cheer industry also introduced new materials such as metallic spandex and animal-print textiles.