Evaluation of Sports Achievements of Participants in Cheerleading Competitions by Rationalizing Refereeing

Cheerleading is a popular sport that is developing and increasing the number of fans. Cheerleading is a subjective sport and therefore it requires a lot of attention. The aim of the study is to investigate, identify and scientifically substantiate effective ways of rationalizing the refereeing of cheerleading competitions. 105 cheerleading judges took part in the study. Based on the results of the survey, an experimental group of judges of II and III categories was formed, which consisted of 73 young judges (hereinafter referred to as novice judges), who were involved in the experiment. Among them, 35.6% have the II judge category, 64.4% – III. Among novice judges, 23.3% have 3 years of experience as judges, 42.5% – 2 years, the rest – 31.2% – 1 year. The conducted questionnaire of cheerleading judges showed that certain difficulties arise in the judging process: distraction of own athletes and their parents, judges or competition organizers (72.6%); a large number of athletes in the team (up to 24), a significant number of numbers in one nomination (11.0%); long and loud music (8.2%); violation of hygiene requirements (weak or significant lighting, unventilated room, draft, etc.) (8.2%). In addition, there is a need to store the performances in memory, for a qualitative assessment of all competitive performances. As a result of the conducted research, methodical recommendations were developed, as well as developed evaluation symbols and marks for use during competition that will help judges to qualitatively and fairly evaluate competitive performances; remember performances and correctly distribute participants.