Bring. It. On!

“Underdeveloped,” “disorganized” and “loosely defined” are some of the words Judge Stefan Underhill used in his ruling that Quinnipiac University’s competitive cheer squad does not meet the federal gender equity requirements of a Title IX sport, referring to the law mandating equal athletic opportunities to women. But if there’s one thing I’ve come to learn about cheerleaders, it’s that they always have plenty of fight in ’em. …

In response to Judge Underhill’s ruling, the cheer community is rallying to get cheerleading recognized as an NCAA sport by creating two new leagues:

1. USA Gymnastics has formed a union of six universities to create the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA). Participating schools are Asusa Pacific University, Baylor University, Fairmont State University, University of Maryland, University of Oregon and -- gimme a Q, gimme a U -- Quinnipiac! There are varsity-level teams, fully supported by colleges’ athletic departments. Meets include a total of six rounds -- compulsory, stunt, pyramid, basket toss, tumbling and team routine. To enhance the sport’s credibility, competitions and overall monitoring will be run by gymnastics officials.

2. USA Cheer has adopted a “stunt” competition largely composed of college club programs. Fifteen schools are on board so far, and the competition format gives athletes record data and national ranking. Stunt differs from the USA Gymnastic model in that it offers only four quarters -- stunts, jumps and tumbling, tosses and pyramids, and combination routines.

Both programs are created on the foundation that they must meet NCAA standards regarding coaching and facilities, and both will feature regular competitions between teams and have annual championship matchups. But the major commonality is that USA Gymnastics and USA Cheer want to pump people up so cheerleading is taken more seriously.

Seems the message they’re trying to send Judge Underhill is this: Stick it!