Cheerleading

The Value of Competitive Cheerleading

A Proposal By

Peril Huff

March 4, 2009

Silver Lake College

Applied Organizational Research

Dr. Jerry J. Stepien

Table of Contents

Title Page

Table of Contents ii

Chapter I - Introduction 1

Introduction 1

Statement of Problem 3

Statement of Purpose 3

Hypothesis 3

Chapter II – Review of Literature 7

Review of Literature 7

Historical Overview of Competitive Cheerleading 7

Contributions to the Value of Cheerleading 8

Chapter III - Methodology 13

Methodology 13

Research Procedures 13

Assumptions 14

Limitations 14

Data Collection 15

Treatment of Data 15

Bibliographies 17

APPENDICES 18

APPENDIX A 19

APPENDIX B 21

Chapter I - Introduction

There are many reasons why parents allow their child to participate in a sport that is outside of the school structure. Competitive cheerleading is a sport that has not been as thoroughly researched as other sports. Other competitive sports that are similar in nature include: gymnastics, dance, figure skating, and soccer. The study will look at the reasons why parents choose this competitive sport and what they think the benefits are from the program.

Introduction

It is estimated that there are 3.4 million cheerleaders in the United States and at least 6 million cheerleader’s world-wide representing thirty-eight countries. (www.usatoday.com/sports/_stories/2002-04-26-cheerleading-cover) Many sports are growing outside of schools that are available such as dance, gymnastics, soccer and cheerleading. Competitive cheerleading teams are primarily made up of members within a 25 mile radius of where the gym is located.

“The mission of the U.S. All Star Federation is to maximize the number of participants benefiting from the positive life experiences of all star cheerleading and...