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I know several people who would wholeheartedly disagree with this statement (myself included), but a judge has just ruled that cheerleading is not a sport.

Though it requires an extraordinary amount of athleticism, discipline, and commitment - just like any other sport - apparently cheerleading cannot be lumped in the same category as football. At least when it comes to college gender eligibility requirements. The decision came as a judge was required to choose whether a Connecticut college could cut its girls volleyball team for a competitive cheer squad.

"Competitive cheer may, some time in the future, qualify as a sport under Title IX," Underhill wrote. "Today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students."

The cheerleading community has spoken out about the opportunities this ruling presents and the fact they should capitalize on it to change the public's perception. "It's an opportunity to look at what hasn't worked and find what will work, so we are creating more opportunities for young women and not affecting other female sports," said Bill Seely, the executive director of USA Cheer. "It's an opportunity to tweak some things."

What do you think? Is cheerleading a sport?