🧠 What exactly is a “bias” – and why should we talk about it in cheerleading?

Cheerleading means team spirit, trust, precision – and above all: solidarity . Every person on the team counts. But sometimes unconscious thought patterns creep in that can unintentionally disrupt this cohesion. This doesn't happen with malicious intent; it often goes completely unnoticed. This is precisely what the term "bias" refers to.

But what exactly is that?

📚 “Bias” – a word we should take a closer look at

“Bias” (pronounced baɪəs ) is an English word and means something like:

👉 Unconscious bias
👉 Distorted perception
👉 Automatic thought patterns that are not always fair

These are prejudices that we often don’t even notice – because we have adopted them from our environment or have been trained to do so.

🧵 How does bias manifest itself in cheerleading?

Bias can show up very quietly in everyday cheerleading – for example like this:

• 💪 You think that boys are more likely to be bases and girls are more likely to be flyers – although that is not always physically true.

• 🌈 You unconsciously wonder about male cheerleaders – because you only associate cheerleading with women.

• You have less confidence in a person with a different skin color or figure – for no real reason.

• 🧠 You don't take someone with a quiet personality seriously when choosing the choreography - even though that person has great ideas.

These thoughts aren't intentionally mean—but they influence our behavior: Who gets what praise? Who gets to hold which position? Who gets overlooked?

🤸 Why it is important to recognize bias

Cheerleading is a team sport. Every position counts, every skill is valuable – regardless of gender, background, body shape, or temperament.
When we recognize our unconscious biases , we create space for true fairness, greater cohesion, and a stronger team culture.

Because: A diverse team is not a coincidence – it is a decision.

💬 This is how we deal with bias more consciously in the team

• 🗣️ Talk openly about the topic, including during training or team-building activities.

• 🔄 Reflect on role distribution: Who will be a flyer and how often, who will be a base, who will be allowed to help create choreographies?

• 🧠 Consciously think “against your first impulse” – have more confidence in quieter or atypical personalities!

• ❤️ Remember: Diversity is strength. A good cheer team thrives on diversity—not a uniform look.

🏁 Conclusion: Teamwork begins in the mind

"Bias" is not an accusation—it's an invitation to develop further. Anyone who wants to be strong in cheerleading needs not only physical strength, but also open eyes and an open heart .

Let's be a team where everyone is seen as they truly are – without prejudice. Because on the mat, one thing matters most: trust and teamwork .