If you are trying to decide whether to try out for cheerleading or pom-poms, the differences likely will guide your choice. If you want to continue the activity through college and beyond, consider that while cheerleading is quite popular in college, there are not many professional cheerleading opportunities available. Most professional sports teams have what are called cheerleaders, but they are really dancers.
Game Responsibilities
The cheer and pom teams work together to add excitement to games with their performances; however, very few of their responsibilities overlap. Cheerleaders typically lead the crowd in cheers during the game, while the pom team watches the game. They also perform cheers between quarters and during timeouts. The pom team might perform pregame dances in front of the crowd, while the cheerleaders are warming up for the game. At halftime, the poms perform a dance and cheerleaders watch their performance.
Tumbling
Tumbling is a major difference between cheerleading and pom-poms. Cheerleaders use tumbling in quarter and timeout cheers. They also might use tumbling during player introductions and when a big play happens during the games. Finally, tumbling typically plays a large role in cheerleading competition routines. Tumbling rarely, if ever, is used in pom-poms. While some routines might include a handstand or a cartwheel, most often pom teams do not use any tumbling in their routines.
Uniforms
Sometimes cheerleaders and poms wear uniforms that make it hard to differentiate between the two. Cheerleaders have a uniform that typically consists of a skirt and a shell. During cold weather sports, they also might cheer in warm-up suits. Pom-pom teams have uniforms that are very similar to cheerleaders, but typically have one or more costumes as well. Costumes typically are fancier and flashier. A pom-pom team's costume might coordinate with school colors or be thematic and related to a specific performance.
Stunting
Stunting is an element that is specific only to cheerleading. Cheerleaders use stunts to add difficulty and excitement to their cheers and routines. Stunts vary from basic to advance and are strictly regulated for safety. For example, they must be performed only on safe surfaces and only under the supervision of a qualified cheer coach. There is no stunting in poms. Safety regulations do not allow pom-pom teams to include stunts in their routines.
References
- Varsity: Being a Cheerleader - Etiquette
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Tumbling
- Varsity: Skills and Drills - Stunting Basics - Stunt Dictionary
- Varsity: Dance Team - High School Dance Team
- Varsity Spirit Fashions: Dance Pants
- American Association of Cheer Coaches & Administrators: 2011-12 School Cheerleading Rules
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