The Real Cheer Quiz: How Much Do You Know?

A "flyer" in cheerleading refers to the person who is being lifted by their teammates during stunts and pyramids. They are typically the smallest and lightest member of the team, and their role is to perform various acrobatic moves while being supported in the air. The flyer requires strength, flexibility, and trust in their teammates to execute the stunts safely and effectively.

A "basket toss" in cheerleading refers to a high toss of a flyer. This move involves multiple bases lifting a cheerleader into the air and throwing her up, where she performs various flips, twists, or other acrobatic maneuvers before being caught by the bases again. It is a visually impressive and exciting stunt that showcases the strength and skill of both the flyer and the bases.

The purpose of cheerleading is to promote sportsmanship, provide entertainment, and showcase team spirit. Cheerleaders encourage fair play, support their teams, and create a positive atmosphere during games. They entertain the crowd with their routines, chants, and stunts, adding excitement to the event. Additionally, cheerleaders display team spirit by wearing team colors, cheering for their teammates, and boosting morale. Therefore, all of the given options accurately describe the purpose of cheerleading.

A "herkie" is a type of jump in cheerleading. It involves extending one leg straight out to the side while the other leg is bent at the knee and tucked in towards the body. This jump requires strength, flexibility, and coordination. It is often performed during cheer routines to add visual appeal and excitement.

Stunts are the main component of a cheerleading routine. Stunts involve lifting, throwing, and catching cheerleaders in the air. They require strength, coordination, and teamwork. Stunts add excitement and visual appeal to the routine, showcasing the athleticism and skill of the cheerleaders. While jumps, tumbling, and dance are also important elements of a cheerleading routine, stunts are typically the most prominent and attention-grabbing aspect.

The purpose of a "spirit stick" in cheerleading is to recognize spirit. Cheerleading squads often use a spirit stick as a way to acknowledge and reward members who demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm, energy, and team spirit. It is a symbol of pride and motivation within the team, and the person who receives the spirit stick is usually someone who has shown great dedication and support for the squad.

Toe touches is the correct term for synchronized cheerleading jumps. In cheerleading, toe touches refer to a specific type of jump where the cheerleaders jump into the air and extend their legs straight out while reaching towards their toes with their hands. This jump requires coordination, flexibility, and timing to perform in sync with the rest of the team. It is a popular and visually impressive move often seen in cheerleading routines.

A "cheer pyramid" in cheerleading is used to create formations. This involves stacking cheerleaders on top of each other in a pyramid shape, with the goal of creating visually appealing and impressive formations. These formations can be used to enhance the overall performance, add variety, and showcase the team's coordination and teamwork skills. It requires careful planning, balance, and strength from the cheerleaders involved.

Lawrence Herkimer organized cheerleading camps and founded the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in 1948 and revolutionized the sport by introducing new techniques and choreography. Herkimer's contributions to cheerleading helped popularize it as a competitive and athletic activity.

The correct answer is USASF. USASF stands for United States All Star Federation, which is the national governing body for cheerleading in the United States. They provide guidelines, rules, and regulations for cheerleading competitions and ensure the safety and development of the sport. UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association), AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators), and NCA (National Cheerleaders Association) are also prominent organizations in the cheerleading industry, but USASF is specifically recognized as the national governing body.