Competitive cheerleading in Ohio just took a big step forward.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association and the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators have announced a new partnership that will officially recognize the longtime OASSA Cheerleading State Championship as Ohio’s official state title event.
OASSA has hosted the cheer state tournament for 34 years. Under the new agreement, OASSA will continue running the championship, but the partnership moves competitive cheer closer to becoming an officially recognized OHSAA sport, possibly as early as the 2027-28 school year.
Leaders say the move acknowledges the time, dedication, and athleticism of thousands of Ohio high school cheerleaders and brings them closer to full recognition alongside other interscholastic sports.
One change next school year: the Game Day cheer category will shift to the fall, with a state tournament planned for early November.
