Cross country doesn't require a ball. But at region, you're only allowed to run your top seven. The point is, just because cheerleading isn't the same kind of sport doesn't mean there shouldn't be consistent standards for it. While it's true some people will denigrate cheerleading, why give them the ammo?
This is an excellent point!!!! I think that what sets cheer apart is that here in GA it's governed by a select few who get to cater to themselves. And, if you're not part of that select few or if you don't work within that circle, you have to go with the flow and it is what it is. Until that changes, nothing else will either.