School Safety / Cheerleading: Fitting the uniform...and the image

Megan Roth

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As highlighted in my previous post(s), the sport of cheerleading can be quite dangerous in terms of physical injury. But what other health risks does it pose? How about the pyschological dangers it can incur; while the sport has gotten quite competitive, there's still a very strong focus on physical appearance. Plain and simple, it's about image - cheerleaders have to look the part. Female cheerleaders are expected to be made up; their hair should fall perfectly in place, their lips should be highly glossed so as to frame their perfect white teeth, and their uniforms should be fitted so as to show off their flawless curves. But what about the girls who aren't so flawless? A recent article in Sports Illustrated highlighted the controversy surrounding an Idaho High School after fans were outraged about the cheer squad's teeny-tiny new uniforms. Spectator's complained the squad was "flashing more than just school spirit." And those spectators aren't alone. Many fans, school officials, and even state lawmakers are concerned with the increasingly risque uniforms which seem to be popping up in schools across the country. What's worse, is the fact that numerous school systems have actually forbidden cheer squad members from wearing uniforms during school hours because they violate school dress codes. Why, then, if those uniforms aren't fitting for school hours, are they considered acceptable for school events? And what effects do those skimpy uniforms have on the girls who wear them? For some, the skimpy uniforms may actually boost confidence. For others, however, they may do much more damage than good. The pressures of society in terms of appearance and beauty are already great (what with all of the Hollywood starlets and super models gracing the covers of every magazine and flashing their pearly whites on television). And cheerleading only compliments the preexisting beauty ideals. In her book Am I Thin Enough Yet?, Sharlene Nagy Hesse-Biber identifies the fact that there is "an ideal body image a woman must conform to if she wants to fit the part of a cheerleader...society expects to find petite women on cheerleading squads" (p. 3). The pressures of playing the part and fitting in with the rest of the squad can be troublesome for squad members who are built slightly heavier than average. Let's face it - not all girls are a size 2 (or even a 4 for that matter). However, in their attempt to achieve perfection, many cheer squad members are taking extreme measures to look the part, and in doing so, are developing the onset of eating disorders. I won't even go into the various types of eating disorders or the long-term effects they may have (I'll save that for another day); however, I think it's important to recognize the ways in which a seemingly positive, well-intended sport/activity can contribute to such illnesses. I'd also like to recognize that, quite obviously, cheerleading is not the sole contributor to their onset. In fact, it probably isn't even the primary contributor; however, it does more than play its part. Some schools have recognized this and are actually incorporating healthy body image and nutrition courses into their training programs. Many teams are also emphasizing strength and a healthy appearance rather than a tiny physique.