Just my opinion.

"A person who leads cheers and applause, especially at sporting events" is the definition of a cheerleader.  It was ruled out of being considered a sport in July 2010.  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against cheerleaders as people or watching them compete.  However, cheerleaders at sporting events is completely pointless.  Whether someone agrees with this or not, lets look at what they do for the teams actually competing.  Who wins or loses? Not the cheerleaders.  Who scores points? Not the cheerleaders.  Who trains and practices everyday to get better? Not the cheerleaders.  Who helps win the game? Not the cheerleaders.  If this isn't enough to convince someone that cheerleaders at sporting events is pointless, let me continue.  Cheerleaders cheer on and support the team competing while they are off on the sidelines either jumping around or talking to their fellow cheerleaders.  If anything, this is only a distraction to the athletes competing.  A lot of times, cheerleaders do not even pay attention to what is going on in the game.  Now ask yourself what the fans do.  They sit up in the stands cheering on and yelling for their team.  To me, cheerleaders and fans are the same except for the fact that cheerleaders have these cute little uniforms they wear and stand apart from the others cheering on the team.  If you were to ask me, I will tell you no matter what that cheerleaders are not needed.  They are pointless and teams would win or lose with or without them there.  I do have respect for cheerleaders who compete in competitions though.  I realize it takes a lot of work to get a routine together and be able to compete the way they do.  The difference is, cheerleaders compete against other cheerleaders.  Which in my opinion, could be considered a sport.  The cheering that goes on at sporting events, well, anyone could do it.  If it were up to me, we would not have such cheerleaders.  The fans are enough support and they actually care about sport.  Many will agree, and many will disagree, but what I have just said is simply the truth.