Dangers Of Cheerleading

Cheerleading is more than pom-poms, short skirts, and bows. Bill Pennington, an award-winning journalist, sportswriter, and author, articulates the need for aggressive training and a strengthening of regulations to minimize the number student-athletes injured subsequently to cheer activities. Pennington’s article, “As Cheerleaders Soar Higher, So does the Danger”, first published on March 31, 2007, in The New York Times. Incorporated in the article he describes cheer in this way, “For decades, they stood by safe and smiling, a fixture on America’s sidelines” (Pennington). This article appeared in the sports section of The New York Times and the distribution to readers included print as well as the internet. Although this newspaper targets the

general public, the author’s audience exists of those individuals most likely to have an interest in sports and who read the sports pages of the newspaper. The emphasis placed on injuries by the author and his detailed incidences and data, create an argument about the general growth of cheerleading injuries particularly persuasive. Besides, Pennington’s dramatic examples of injuries, in setting a tone of importance, affirms the article’s appeal to all readers. The viewpoint of the author’s thesis suggests cheerleading is becoming increasingly dangerous because of the higher degree of difficulty in the routines, the inadequate training for coaches, and the lack of regulations. The article incorporates data, examples, and clear definitions, but it is not too
technical.

“As Cheerleaders Soar Higher, So Does the Danger,” connects the danger involved in cheering and the drastic changes occurring over time. However, the author’s purpose is not to cast blame but to bring awareness of an existing problem. Although Pennington explores the dangers in cheerleading, he also scrutinizes possible causes. Supporting theories with personal statements from injured cheerleaders and notable authorities in the sports field creates a convincing article. The author is effective in showing the seriousness of the problem as he utilizes pathos to appeal to emotions.
Today’s cheerleading maneuvers, according to Pennington, are “. . . turning cheerleaders into daredevils” (Pennington). Pennington’s perspective of how the sport has continued to maintain its sense of glamor while knee braces and ice bags are as common as mascara appeals to the emotions of the reader. However, Pennington shifts his thoughts to the fact more than four million participants cheer at different levels. The author suggests “. . . cheerleaders now commonly do tricks atop pyramids or are tossed 20 feet in the air to perform flips and twists” (Pennington). The Cheerleaders quoted by Pennington, focus on how accidents occurred and the cumulative results. In essence, by inserting personal injury stories, the author has appealed to his reader’s sympathy and compassion. Throughout this article credibility and appeals to ethos are consistently strong as Pennington builds and supplements his article with credible examples. Using an intelligent and familiar tone, while incorporating common language allows Pennington to develop greater and added reliable

credibility.
However, “As Cheerleaders Soar Higher, So Does the Danger” points directly to the dangers involved in cheerleading, and simultaneously the author asserts “the number of serious injuries is low when compared with the number of current participants” (Pennington). This comparison indicates the author has kept an open mind with a clear opinion while compiling this article. The writer describes modern cheer as “performances are a blur of tumbling bodies, executed to loud, pulsating music” (Pennington). Accordingly, these convincing points allow the reader to reevaluate their perceptions of cheerleading and form new opinions about the sport. While, at the same time, the author has exposed the dangers encountered in cheerleading that is an appeal to the logos of his audience. Acknowledging these dangers, makes it easier for the audience to understand the problems.
Setting the stage for new rules and regulations, Pennington asserts “Inadequate training of coaches is the most frequently cited cause of injuries. Inexperienced coaches will have squads try complex stunts without following accepted progressions to acquire the skills required to safely attempt the trick” (Pennington). While on the other hand, he finds reassurance from organizations working diligently to preserve safety. Demonstrating this point, Pennington quotes Jim Lord, executive director of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, “We have pushed safety to the front burner” (qtd. in Pennington). Pennington’s awareness of the lack of current rules in place for cheerleading is apparent. His examples,
statistics, and quotes appear sound and reasonable, although he does not concentrate heavily on statistics or facts. The journalist establishes a logical development of ideas, facts and examples such as the personal injury stories told by the injured, possible reasons for the injuries,
regulations for cheerleading, and quotes that support his viewpoint. The article invokes the reader’s curiosity to examine additional research on the topic. Pennington’s usage of logos
develops while describing the dangers and he makes no attempt to hide the issues about rules and regulations.
As a sportswriter, Pennington chooses his words carefully. Through the use of clear, simple and easily understood language the article is accessible to a broader audience. The author continues with the quote, “Even in high school cheerleading, there is no uniformity of regulations . . . and little state control” (Pennington). The jest of the article offers a tone of concern about the dangers involved in today’s cheerleading programs. Also, Pennington’s conversational writing style promotes relevant understanding. The author uses words such as “paralyzed, wheelchair, trauma, perilous, and catastrophic” in the article. Connotations of these words become the foundation for feelings and emotions that cause the readers to sympathize and accordingly, inserts pathos. Fear of danger is present in cheerleading, however, the competitive spirit of cheerleaders seems to overpower that fear.
Pennington’s article generates a resounding message and consequently, permits his readers to enhance their conclusions concerning the dangers involved. The message Pennington conveys to his audience is a strong picture of the dangers involved, the need for improved regulations and the competitive spirit of the sport. The reader is aware of the problems. However, the author suggests no solution. Implications Bill Pennington presents are cheerleading is becoming dangerous due to the higher degree of difficulty in the routines, the inadequate training for coaches, and the lack of regulations. Cheerleading is more than pom-poms, short skirts, and bows.