Australian cheerleaders told to cover up midriffs

[likearock 2]

Enough of Iraq, Iran, the runaway deficit, etc. Here's a real tragedy.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/wires/04/15/2080.ap.australia.cheerleaders.1st.ld.writethru.0220/index.html?cnn=yes

Australian cheerleaders told to cover up midriffs
Posted: Saturday Apr 15, 2006 7:44 PM

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Australian cheerleaders have been banned from baring midriffs by officials of the sport who fear displays of skin may encourage eating disorders.

Gymnastics Australia has ordered cheerleading troupes to find new uniforms by the end of the year.

Nerine Cooper, national cheerleading manager for Gymnastics Australia, said the decision, which followed similar moves in the United States and elsewhere, was needed because cheerleaders often performed in front of family groups.

"We don't want girls to feel under pressure to lose weight because of uniforms,'' she told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph.

But Lisa Ince, head of Sydney Promotional Dancers, said the order was unfair.

"It's ridiculous really, if the thinking is that a midriff is offensive, then every dance school and athletics club would face the same restrictions,'' Ince said.

The ban will affect about 105 teams registered with Gymnastics Australia.

In the United States, the National Federation of State High School Associations issued a new rule for the 2006-07 school year requiring that cheerleading uniforms cover the midriff.

[Skyrad 0]

They tried to do this in the UK but realised that there simply wasn't enough material!

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[Nightingale 0]

I don't have a problem with high school cheerleaders being told to get uniforms that don't show midriff... kinda silly for school athletics uniforms to be in violation of the school's own dress codes.

Adult, professional, and non-school affilliated cheerleaders should be able to wear whatever the team decides on, though.

[likearock 2]

Quote

I don't have a problem with high school cheerleaders being told to get uniforms that don't show midriff... kinda silly for school athletics uniforms to be in violation of the school's own dress codes.

Adult, professional, and non-school affilliated cheerleaders should be able to wear whatever the team decides on, though.

What really stood out to me is the implicit assumption that the only way to have flat abs is to cultivate an eating disorder. If a high schooler can't keep from being overweight by sensible eating choices and portion control, we're doomed as a society.

[Nightingale 0]

No, but eating disorders are more common in girls who are dancers or cheerleaders, so I do understand not wanting to put more pressure on girls to look perfect. With the clothing dancers wear, there's an incredible pressure to look perfect, and I could see the same thing occurring with cheerleaders.