The statement “All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; thus cheer-leading is a sport,” is an example of a definis argument. The basic argument is that cheerleading is a sport. To make this argument a definition of a what constitutes a sport is spelled out. Then a comparison, while not written is inferred. This is that cheerleading has a venue, a point system, competition, and a winner based on points earned. These are, according to the provided definition, what makes a sport. So, according to the given definition, cheerleading is a sport.
The issues I have is not with the argument itself, it is with the definition. Personally, I do not agree with that definition of what a sport is. The given definition is close to my own, but I think a sport has a concrete scoring system, based on a definite action. Examples of this would be making the ball go through the hoop in basketball, or touching the ball down past the try-line in rugby. This counts as a concrete score everyone can see and agree on. The issues with cheerleading and other similar competitions is that the score is based off a judges opinion. If the judges like what they see, the individual or team will be scored well and have more points.
The problem I see with this statement is, not with the structure of the argument, but the definition. I think that when a definitive argument is used, the definition needs to be one that the reader will agree with, or at least understand. So, in this argument I would like to know what makes this the definition of a sport. Is this the Olympic Committees definition? The NCAA definition? Or the authors personal opinion? Clearly the Olympic Committee’s definition is going to carry more weight then the authors personal opinion, or my own personal opinion. This is I think the strength and weakness of a definitive argument. If the reader agrees with your definition, you will make a strong argument. If the reader disagrees, then it will be a weak argument.
I disagree with the counter argument. Figure skating doesn’t have a concrete scoring system yet it is still considered a sport. I think there is just a lot of bias against cheerleading because it does have a bad reputation. Also, I don’t agree that the strength of an argument depends on whether or not the reader agrees. Then what would be the case of argument? I think that if the holes in a person’s argument/definition were properly exploited then someone with an opposite viewpoint could be easily persuaded. I do agree, however, that the definition of a sport will be different from person to person, but that is why we argue: to pick a side and do the best we can to persuade our point of view. This definition of a sport could be better explained in the sense that it is the correct definition. This can be made possible by comparing it to other definitions (like from the other organizations you mentioned) and making a case that this one is the most accurate.
I also have to disagree with the counterargument. By saying “The issues with cheerleading and other similar competitions is that the score is based off a judges opinion. If the judges like what they see, the individual or team will be scored well and have more points,” she is ignoring that in virtually all sports, there is a referee whose opinion also plays a strong influence on the score. If in baseball, the umpire called all balls strikes for just one team, that team would lose. In hockey, soccer, or football, if offsides was called every time a team scored, that team would lose.
we are just defining a sport, not the fairness of them. If fairness were a deciding factor, then football should not be considered a sport either because overtimes are pretty much like golden goal: the team who scores first wins. In football this is unfair because the winner of the coin toss almost always gets the first score because all they have to do is get a field goal.
According to the definition provided, cheerleading is considered a sport. It does have a playing venue, teams do compete against each other, and a team wins by gaining points. In fact, it is competitive enough to sometimes be featured on ESPN. A weak argument that I and many people may share is that it is just a lame and ridiculous synchronized version of gymnastics. However, it does contain a considerable degree of difficulty and is fairly competitive. For this reason, I set aside my bias against cheerleading and agree that it is a sport. Another argument that has been presented is that it is not a sport because it doesn’t have a concrete scoring system and is mainly subjective. However, other sports such as gymnastics and figure skating are also critiqued in the same way cheerleading is. Does this mean they aren’t sports as well? Of course not. Many people, including myself, are quick to judge cheerleading because it has a bad reputation influenced by Hollywood’s stereotypical portrayal of cheerleaders as “dumb.” Also, cheerleading has been thought of as just a show, or entertainment that is provided during intermissions between “real” sporting events. Despite of these notions, it is still a competitive sport, maybe not a well respected sport, but a sport nonetheless and the bias against the sport doesn’t take away from the technical aspects of it as well as its adherence to the definition of a sport.
I do not agree that figure skating or gymnastics are sports. I agree it is physically demanding, I couldnt do it. But just because cheerleading meets the given definition, it doesnt mean the definition is correct. I could make a definition that a sport includes a ball, meaning cheerleading, figure skating, or skiing is not a sport. Or, a definition that a sport is any time you math your physical body against another, so thumb wrestling is now a sport.
Then by your possible definition, track and field, wrestling, curling, bull fighting, boxing, even hockey isn’t a sport (puck). What would these be called? And yes, thumb wrestling could be considered a sport, a lame sport but a sport nonetheless. I don’t think sport should encompass a strict set of guidelines nor be subject to bias based on perceived skill level. A sport has always been an athletic competition in which there has to be a winner and loser. Of course, in this definition the word athleticism needs to be properly defined. Just to point out a flaw in my own argument, would Nascar be considered athletic? I would argue yes because it is physically demanding and takes a toll on the drivers body, involves incredible hand eye coordination, and strategy.
Another possible argument includes culture. In America, some things are considered sports and some are not. Does this mean they aren’t sports? No, therefore it is important to separate one’s own bias from making a fair judgement. In some cultures (who knows), thumb wrestling could be the greatest sport of all time. Therefore, in the sake of fairness, the definition of what a sport is should be approached leniently because there are a number of factors that can be discussed.
My whole point really has nothing to do with what is a sport or what is not. My point is that we dont agree with a definition. Seems to me everyone who posted has a little bit of a different definition of a sport. That is my argument, without a definition that we agree on then a definitive argument is not going to work.
Your comment about the portrayl of cheerleaders by Hollywood, leads to a great sociological question. Do we as a society want to say cheerleading is a sport because it is dominated by women. Are we displacing subjectivity of an activity, cheerleading, based on it possibly symbolizing women as a group even if on a subconscious level?
The given definition, as Ceilan mentioned, is sufficient in justifying cheerleading as a sport. Cheerleading competitions take place in a playing venue, have a point system, and are a competition between teams which are won by an accrual of points. In fact, I cannot think of any sport that is generally accepted as one, such as basketball, baseball, or football, that does not adhere to this definition. I would also propose adding that sports also have a large degree of physical skill involved, which all of the aforementioned examples have.
Ceilan also mentioned a counterargument to this definition, though, stating that sports must have an objective scoring system, thus concluding that cheerleading is not a sport. She also stated that the Olympic Committee’s definition would hold more strength than her or the author of the argument’s definition. I would have to say that the author of this argument comes much closer in coming up with an adequate definition by Ceilan’s own criteria, though, as, as Sami mentioned, sports such as gymnastics and figure skating, accepted by the Olympic Committee, have a very similar scoring system.
In fact, though sports such as basketball and soccer may not have a subjective scoring system, but the score is heavily influenced by subjectivity. The 2006 NBA Champions Miami Heat underwent much controversy, as they were awarded almost twice as many foul shots on their home court, while replays showed that many were unwarranted. In the World Cup happening right now, the referees are under fire for both calling and overlooking penalties that eventually decide the game, with two recently losing commission because of this. Subjectivity has decided the winner of the competitions as much as scoring in gymnastics can in two universally accepted sports.
All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points. Taking the definition into consideration, cheerleading is considered a sport as they compete with other schools. They compete on a scoring system given by judges. Although the scoring system is not viewed by the spectators, cheerleading is on a fine line being considered a sport.
Take the recent event, the FIFA World cup, soccer is considered a sport as technique and physical conditionings are some factors of the outcome of a game. Getting the ball into the square goal requires practice. Seeing the ball enter the goal is a physical indication of scoring.
Now cheerleading, moves and flips are physical appearances. But the spectator does not see the scoring system as it occurs, the judges’ gives out the final score. The scoring is an opinion based on the judges like gymnastics and figure skating. Cheerleading in my opinion is not a sport, because it is only partakes in school.
While gymnastics and figure skating is not limited by ages. They are housed in the Olympic Games during the winter.
Just like other activities available at school, cheerleading is only an after school activity. You don’t see adults “playing” this sport at the local park.
i see adults in college competing at this sport and at other sporting events. However, I do agree that it is really only a sport as long as a person is in school. After a certain age it just becomes a show, like at sporting events.
“All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; thus cheerleading is a sport” Cheerleading is a sport according to the definition provided. It is just as competitive as the other sports out there. It is relatively difficult and the cheerleaders put in just as much work as basketball players, football players, etc. to perfect what they do. However the world portrays cheerleading in the media as a joke. In movies they make cheerleaders seem to be the pretty girls that have no brains. Making it hard for people to actually take them seriously and for them to see it as a true sport.
Cheerleading is usually witnessed at school sporting events. The cheerleaders usually perform between bigger sporting events such as a football game. They are basically the entertainment provided for the games. They pump up the crowds, so most people don’t see it as a sport they just see cheerleading as an after school activity or something.
In some way it can be compared to figure skating because there are people that believe figure skating isn’t a sport. Yet it is a part of the Olympics every year. So technically it is a sport.
Cheerleading competitions are featured on ESPN which is a channel dedicated to sports. If people don’t really consider it a sport then it shouldn’t be aired on a channel for sports only.
I may not enjoy cheerleading but I do give it credit because even though many people don’t consider it a sport, it is continued throughout the world.
A sport, defined by Oxford’s Dictionary “is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.” A sport like cheerleading is not considered a sport because the only competition is dancing in formation. Sports require physical conditioning, strength training, and teammates. Sports also require a type of point system earned by each team at any given time. Many people can do activities that require those 3 requirements mentioned above; if that happened then everyone would be making up types of sports everywhere.
Cheerleading is not a sport, but it’s competitive and has the 3 given requirements. They do compete and their is a point system. The points are gained on who performs the best and has the best talent, but it’s more like dancing and should be viewed as a type of dance, like hip-hop, salsa, etc. They can’t really score a touchdown, hit a homerun, or run to score a goal. There are stuck within a certain area and are set to perform. Majority of cheerleaders think that their “sport” is a “sport” when in fact all they do is dance with teammates to rhythmic style. There just seems to be insufficient materiel needed to be seen as a sport.
Taking the definition as given of sports as having a playing venue, keeping points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; cheerleading is at first glance a sport.
Cheer teams across the country representing high schools and colleges alike, much like other more traditional sports, meet in specified venues to hold their competitions. Points are scored by a panel of judges that accumulate the total score of the team.
The scoring would be the weakness of classifying cheerleading as a sport. The scoring system is based on subjectivity. Part of the cheerleading performance is based on artistic interpretation. Some may say that other sports offer subjectivity by the use of referees. However, referees have a strict non-negotiable standard by which to make the call. They are determining if the criteria in the determination of the call has been met. Just as in baseball an umpire makes calls based on if the player touched a bag. There is no subjectivity of artistic impression there. Whereas in a cheerleading competition, points may be withheld from the competing team if a judge doesn’t “like” their uniforms.
Although cheerleading is physically demanding and requires great athleticism, due to the artistic subjectivity of the scoring, cheerleading is not a sport. Cheerleading is performance art.
The statement “All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; thus cheer-leading is a sport,” is an example of a definis argument. The basic argument is that cheerleading is a sport. To make this argument a definition of a what constitutes a sport is spelled out. Then a comparison, while not written is inferred. This is that cheerleading has a venue, a point system, competition, and a winner based on points earned. These are, according to the provided definition, what makes a sport. So, according to the given definition, cheerleading is a sport.
The issues I have is not with the argument itself, it is with the definition. Personally, I do not agree with that definition of what a sport is. The given definition is close to my own, but I think a sport has a concrete scoring system, based on a definite action. Examples of this would be making the ball go through the hoop in basketball, or touching the ball down past the try-line in rugby. This counts as a concrete score everyone can see and agree on. The issues with cheerleading and other similar competitions is that the score is based off a judges opinion. If the judges like what they see, the individual or team will be scored well and have more points.
The problem I see with this statement is, not with the structure of the argument, but the definition. I think that when a definitive argument is used, the definition needs to be one that the reader will agree with, or at least understand. So, in this argument I would like to know what makes this the definition of a sport. Is this the Olympic Committees definition? The NCAA definition? Or the authors personal opinion? Clearly the Olympic Committee’s definition is going to carry more weight then the authors personal opinion, or my own personal opinion. This is I think the strength and weakness of a definitive argument. If the reader agrees with your definition, you will make a strong argument. If the reader disagrees, then it will be a weak argument.
Comment by Ceilan Mcdonald — 06/30/2010 @ 1:44 pm
You’re getting GOOOOODDD at this! Nice counterargument, you found the seam!
c
Comment by syndeeann — 06/30/2010 @ 1:50 pm
I disagree with the counter argument. Figure skating doesn’t have a concrete scoring system yet it is still considered a sport. I think there is just a lot of bias against cheerleading because it does have a bad reputation. Also, I don’t agree that the strength of an argument depends on whether or not the reader agrees. Then what would be the case of argument? I think that if the holes in a person’s argument/definition were properly exploited then someone with an opposite viewpoint could be easily persuaded. I do agree, however, that the definition of a sport will be different from person to person, but that is why we argue: to pick a side and do the best we can to persuade our point of view. This definition of a sport could be better explained in the sense that it is the correct definition. This can be made possible by comparing it to other definitions (like from the other organizations you mentioned) and making a case that this one is the most accurate.
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:10 pm
I also have to disagree with the counterargument. By saying “The issues with cheerleading and other similar competitions is that the score is based off a judges opinion. If the judges like what they see, the individual or team will be scored well and have more points,” she is ignoring that in virtually all sports, there is a referee whose opinion also plays a strong influence on the score. If in baseball, the umpire called all balls strikes for just one team, that team would lose. In hockey, soccer, or football, if offsides was called every time a team scored, that team would lose.
Comment by David Choi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:25 pm
who said sports had to be fair?
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:40 pm
we are just defining a sport, not the fairness of them. If fairness were a deciding factor, then football should not be considered a sport either because overtimes are pretty much like golden goal: the team who scores first wins. In football this is unfair because the winner of the coin toss almost always gets the first score because all they have to do is get a field goal.
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:45 pm
I’m not saying that sports need to be fair. All I’m saying is that there is subjectivity involved in sports. I’m agreeing with you.
Comment by David Choi — 06/30/2010 @ 3:28 pm
According to the definition provided, cheerleading is considered a sport. It does have a playing venue, teams do compete against each other, and a team wins by gaining points. In fact, it is competitive enough to sometimes be featured on ESPN. A weak argument that I and many people may share is that it is just a lame and ridiculous synchronized version of gymnastics. However, it does contain a considerable degree of difficulty and is fairly competitive. For this reason, I set aside my bias against cheerleading and agree that it is a sport. Another argument that has been presented is that it is not a sport because it doesn’t have a concrete scoring system and is mainly subjective. However, other sports such as gymnastics and figure skating are also critiqued in the same way cheerleading is. Does this mean they aren’t sports as well? Of course not. Many people, including myself, are quick to judge cheerleading because it has a bad reputation influenced by Hollywood’s stereotypical portrayal of cheerleaders as “dumb.” Also, cheerleading has been thought of as just a show, or entertainment that is provided during intermissions between “real” sporting events. Despite of these notions, it is still a competitive sport, maybe not a well respected sport, but a sport nonetheless and the bias against the sport doesn’t take away from the technical aspects of it as well as its adherence to the definition of a sport.
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:02 pm
I do not agree that figure skating or gymnastics are sports. I agree it is physically demanding, I couldnt do it. But just because cheerleading meets the given definition, it doesnt mean the definition is correct. I could make a definition that a sport includes a ball, meaning cheerleading, figure skating, or skiing is not a sport. Or, a definition that a sport is any time you math your physical body against another, so thumb wrestling is now a sport.
Comment by Ceilan Mcdonald — 06/30/2010 @ 2:12 pm
Then by your possible definition, track and field, wrestling, curling, bull fighting, boxing, even hockey isn’t a sport (puck). What would these be called? And yes, thumb wrestling could be considered a sport, a lame sport but a sport nonetheless. I don’t think sport should encompass a strict set of guidelines nor be subject to bias based on perceived skill level. A sport has always been an athletic competition in which there has to be a winner and loser. Of course, in this definition the word athleticism needs to be properly defined. Just to point out a flaw in my own argument, would Nascar be considered athletic? I would argue yes because it is physically demanding and takes a toll on the drivers body, involves incredible hand eye coordination, and strategy.
Another possible argument includes culture. In America, some things are considered sports and some are not. Does this mean they aren’t sports? No, therefore it is important to separate one’s own bias from making a fair judgement. In some cultures (who knows), thumb wrestling could be the greatest sport of all time. Therefore, in the sake of fairness, the definition of what a sport is should be approached leniently because there are a number of factors that can be discussed.
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:30 pm
My whole point really has nothing to do with what is a sport or what is not. My point is that we dont agree with a definition. Seems to me everyone who posted has a little bit of a different definition of a sport. That is my argument, without a definition that we agree on then a definitive argument is not going to work.
Comment by Ceilan Mcdonald — 06/30/2010 @ 3:15 pm
Your comment about the portrayl of cheerleaders by Hollywood, leads to a great sociological question. Do we as a society want to say cheerleading is a sport because it is dominated by women. Are we displacing subjectivity of an activity, cheerleading, based on it possibly symbolizing women as a group even if on a subconscious level?
Comment by Eric Storey — 06/30/2010 @ 5:49 pm
The given definition, as Ceilan mentioned, is sufficient in justifying cheerleading as a sport. Cheerleading competitions take place in a playing venue, have a point system, and are a competition between teams which are won by an accrual of points. In fact, I cannot think of any sport that is generally accepted as one, such as basketball, baseball, or football, that does not adhere to this definition. I would also propose adding that sports also have a large degree of physical skill involved, which all of the aforementioned examples have.
Ceilan also mentioned a counterargument to this definition, though, stating that sports must have an objective scoring system, thus concluding that cheerleading is not a sport. She also stated that the Olympic Committee’s definition would hold more strength than her or the author of the argument’s definition. I would have to say that the author of this argument comes much closer in coming up with an adequate definition by Ceilan’s own criteria, though, as, as Sami mentioned, sports such as gymnastics and figure skating, accepted by the Olympic Committee, have a very similar scoring system.
In fact, though sports such as basketball and soccer may not have a subjective scoring system, but the score is heavily influenced by subjectivity. The 2006 NBA Champions Miami Heat underwent much controversy, as they were awarded almost twice as many foul shots on their home court, while replays showed that many were unwarranted. In the World Cup happening right now, the referees are under fire for both calling and overlooking penalties that eventually decide the game, with two recently losing commission because of this. Subjectivity has decided the winner of the competitions as much as scoring in gymnastics can in two universally accepted sports.
Comment by David Choi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:21 pm
All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points. Taking the definition into consideration, cheerleading is considered a sport as they compete with other schools. They compete on a scoring system given by judges. Although the scoring system is not viewed by the spectators, cheerleading is on a fine line being considered a sport.
Take the recent event, the FIFA World cup, soccer is considered a sport as technique and physical conditionings are some factors of the outcome of a game. Getting the ball into the square goal requires practice. Seeing the ball enter the goal is a physical indication of scoring.
Now cheerleading, moves and flips are physical appearances. But the spectator does not see the scoring system as it occurs, the judges’ gives out the final score. The scoring is an opinion based on the judges like gymnastics and figure skating. Cheerleading in my opinion is not a sport, because it is only partakes in school.
While gymnastics and figure skating is not limited by ages. They are housed in the Olympic Games during the winter.
Just like other activities available at school, cheerleading is only an after school activity. You don’t see adults “playing” this sport at the local park.
Comment by Raymond Paul — 06/30/2010 @ 2:40 pm
i see adults in college competing at this sport and at other sporting events. However, I do agree that it is really only a sport as long as a person is in school. After a certain age it just becomes a show, like at sporting events.
Comment by Sami Kaldawi — 06/30/2010 @ 2:47 pm
“All sports by definition have a playing venue, keep points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; thus cheerleading is a sport” Cheerleading is a sport according to the definition provided. It is just as competitive as the other sports out there. It is relatively difficult and the cheerleaders put in just as much work as basketball players, football players, etc. to perfect what they do. However the world portrays cheerleading in the media as a joke. In movies they make cheerleaders seem to be the pretty girls that have no brains. Making it hard for people to actually take them seriously and for them to see it as a true sport.
Cheerleading is usually witnessed at school sporting events. The cheerleaders usually perform between bigger sporting events such as a football game. They are basically the entertainment provided for the games. They pump up the crowds, so most people don’t see it as a sport they just see cheerleading as an after school activity or something.
In some way it can be compared to figure skating because there are people that believe figure skating isn’t a sport. Yet it is a part of the Olympics every year. So technically it is a sport.
Cheerleading competitions are featured on ESPN which is a channel dedicated to sports. If people don’t really consider it a sport then it shouldn’t be aired on a channel for sports only.
I may not enjoy cheerleading but I do give it credit because even though many people don’t consider it a sport, it is continued throughout the world.
Comment by Imari Murray — 06/30/2010 @ 4:34 pm
A sport, defined by Oxford’s Dictionary “is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.” A sport like cheerleading is not considered a sport because the only competition is dancing in formation. Sports require physical conditioning, strength training, and teammates. Sports also require a type of point system earned by each team at any given time. Many people can do activities that require those 3 requirements mentioned above; if that happened then everyone would be making up types of sports everywhere.
Cheerleading is not a sport, but it’s competitive and has the 3 given requirements. They do compete and their is a point system. The points are gained on who performs the best and has the best talent, but it’s more like dancing and should be viewed as a type of dance, like hip-hop, salsa, etc. They can’t really score a touchdown, hit a homerun, or run to score a goal. There are stuck within a certain area and are set to perform. Majority of cheerleaders think that their “sport” is a “sport” when in fact all they do is dance with teammates to rhythmic style. There just seems to be insufficient materiel needed to be seen as a sport.
Comment by Alec — 06/30/2010 @ 4:41 pm
Taking the definition as given of sports as having a playing venue, keeping points, compete between individuals or teams, and the competition may be won by accrual of points; cheerleading is at first glance a sport.
Cheer teams across the country representing high schools and colleges alike, much like other more traditional sports, meet in specified venues to hold their competitions. Points are scored by a panel of judges that accumulate the total score of the team.
The scoring would be the weakness of classifying cheerleading as a sport. The scoring system is based on subjectivity. Part of the cheerleading performance is based on artistic interpretation. Some may say that other sports offer subjectivity by the use of referees. However, referees have a strict non-negotiable standard by which to make the call. They are determining if the criteria in the determination of the call has been met. Just as in baseball an umpire makes calls based on if the player touched a bag. There is no subjectivity of artistic impression there. Whereas in a cheerleading competition, points may be withheld from the competing team if a judge doesn’t “like” their uniforms.
Although cheerleading is physically demanding and requires great athleticism, due to the artistic subjectivity of the scoring, cheerleading is not a sport. Cheerleading is performance art.
Comment by Eric Storey — 06/30/2010 @ 5:43 pm