Do you think they were right?

Parent Cafe
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<p>A few of you have been cheerleaders or parents of cheerleaders, but many of the comments here show a complete lack of understanding of how cheer functions. Even if not recognized as a sport, there are typically state high school athletic policies regulating cheer activities, including size of the squad. For instance, in my state, for away football games, only 8 cheerleaders are allowed to travel. Should a girls or boys basketball squad make it as far as substation or state, only 6 cheerleaders are allowed on the floor. Space limitations on the court or by the mat means that safety can become an issue for the girls or boys cheering. In other words, you just can’t have cheer be an open activity and line up a hundred kids on the court.</p>

<p>Schools do the best they can to be inclusive. Many do have multiple squads. Football cheerleaders may not also cheer for basketball. As with sports teams, there’s likely to be a JV and a Varsity. Some schools do have separate competative squads. At the end of the day, however, it’s going to be an activity where there are cuts. In an effort to avoid even the appearance of favoritism, lots of schools now go with outside judges for try-outs.</p>

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<p>I was thinking about this thread driving home from work last night, and I want to give a shout out to all of the adults in schools, churches, scout troops, etc. who manage to come up with elegant solutions to very sensitive issues involving the inclusion of students with disablities. </p>

<p>I personally know one music director who came up with a perfect solution to a very difficult situation. It’s not always possible to make everyone happy but you’ve got to hand it to everyone who tries to be creative and generous while supporting the integrity of the group.</p>

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<p>^^Yes. And is anyone else, regardless of whether you believe the school made the right decision, completely blown away by this girl’s courage?</p>

<p>Her parents have instilled a confidence that will take her far in life.
Bravo, Julia. And look out, world.</p>