KEY POINTS:
Cheerleaders have been scrapped by the South Sydney Rabbitohs because it made their fans, including male supporters, "uncomfortable", club co-owner and actor Russell Crowe says.
The NRL team made the decision to scrap the pom-poms this season and replace them with a drumming band for their home matches.
>> Read the story
This forum debate is now closed. Here is a selection of your views.
Kimberley Ramsay
My name is Kimberley Ramsay and I run All Star Cheerleaders a cheerleading school that teaches children and adults cheerleading. There is a misconception held by some in NZ and in Australia of cheerleaders and cheerleading. There are 2 types of cheerleading - professional cheerleading like the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and Laker Girls who are normally well paid professional dancers and the second type is traditional cheerleading which is what we teach.
Traditional cheerleading is used to lead the crowd in cheers & chants and to hype and inspire the crowd to get behind their team by performing acrobatic stunts, tumbling and awe-inspiring pyramids and tosses. This type of cheerleading is aimed at entertaining the entire crowd including women and families. The first cheerleaders were male and many of the best traditional cheerleading teams include a number of male cheerleaders. These types of cheerleaders are top athletes who focus on the skills of cheerleading and not just being eye candy for the male crowd. While some cheerleaders may be viewed as a distraction I do not think it fair to include all cheerleaders in that statement.
Lars
We dont need cheerleaders in Rugby in NZ as we already employ them as TV Commentators and newspaper reporters.
Sarah
This is the first time I have ever been impressed by something Russel1 has done. I sometimes enjoy watching women dancing in sexy outfits - but not at a game of league.
Duran
Fantastic entertainment. The girls are very talented and do a great job. As a Kiwi living in Cronulla, we all support our NRL Cheer Squad. No complaints from this part of the world. To all the Haters out there: Dont player-hate, just celebrate!
X
Who said dance isnt a sport? Dance is one of the best forms of exercise, thats why they are all gorgeous! I would like to see those who complain to get up and try to attempt any routine the cheerleaders do, then that would be a sight to ban! Those who despise the cheerleaders obviously have insecurities of their own. I have some advice for those of you whom complain that they go to watch the rugby and not the girls ... watch the rugby!!!!
Jason
Russell Crowe takes another step towards a bleak and uniform world where beauty and achievement are reviled and blandness and mediocrity are esteemed.
Julie
It makes sense to have a change. I am sure more women and children would go along to games knowing there was no distractions.
Gary
Hey my flatmate is a cheerleader and she loves it! She is extremely talented, has made national TV from her dance success, and watching her and her team dance sure beats watching 30 men running around on a field. Cheerleaders are strong post feminist role models who show that its OK for women to be confident about who they are and celebrate sport through creative fitness routines. Its a crime to ban cheerleading!
Gulia
I think cheerleaders are way over the top, mainly in their lack of dress style. They are a total waste of spectators time. Their dress sense & gig have got nothing to do with sport. They do not enhance the game. Its like have to sit through adverts on TV when all you are waiting for is the movie to come back on!
Lisa
Who pays to watch dance or gymnastic shows in New Zealand?? Not many people unfortunately. We pay to watch people bang into each other at rugby and league games. We pay to watch movies where people shoot, murder, strip, have sex, torture, fight, blow people up etc - but when it comes to appreciating the few people in the world who are talented enough to move in such a way they can interpret and tell a story with their bodies, you dont pay to watch that. It is because of this that dancing at a rugby game is about the only regular paid work a dancer can get in New Zealand and as a member of a cheerteam I do not feel I am "a waste of time" as "Graeme" so kindly put!. And to those women who are uncomfortable looking at us. I hope this is because its a personal value of yours and that you have never ever been to the beach or pool (where there are girls and guys wearing less clothes than we do) as this would violate your strict moral code. As this is the only reason I can think of that would make any sense!
Sam
These girls should be playing netball. Cheerleading is ridiculous, and suggests the role of women in sport is to cheer the men on, rather than to compete themselves. Yet another part of a cheap and plastic culture that we do not need. NZ is steadily sliding towards Americanisation, with its celebration of vacuous celebrities of no apparent worth (Nicky Watson, Charlotte Dawson), adoption of gang culture in South Auckland (and we have this to thank for graffiti staining the property of our nation) and awful lowest common denominator slang such as "bling". If people want to do it at private clubs, fine, but I dont want to see it at televised games. It brings nothing to the game and it's not what NZers and Australians as a people are about.
Kevin
Congradulations to J for standing up for what she does. My son has played pre match games at Carisbrook for the Bledisloe Cup, Highlanders and Otago. At every game the cheerleader have been both entertaining and fun, they also take time to sign autographs etc for the young kids who love their sport. Stop being so politically correct and have fun for once. If you cant stay at home and change the channel when the Cheerleader come on.
Glenn
While Souths have really been making some big progress with player recruitment ,sponsorship deals and trying to streamline a sleeping gaint into a true premier contender, to axe the cheergirls is pretty out there. To say the girls make the crowd feel uncomfortable is not at all balanced. These girls are skilled, talented and offer a high energy performance. We hear some women complain that these girls wear skimpy costumes,well they are actually performing a aerobics dance display, I cant see how wearing a long ankle covering dress is going to cut it, In fact that would be darn right unsafe. We never hear a women complain about the players wearing shorts as inappropriate. That would be as ludicrous as calling the cheergirls strippers? These girls are passionate about there involvement in league/rugby and are in my opinion and 80 per cent of all spectators(according to the latest fox TV survey)a welcome form of entertainment at afternoons/nights game of footy. Keep the girls involved, they do a good job. Is he showing signs of being hen pecked?
Michael
I have studied martial arts for well over 20 years and always been actively interested in fitness and health. I am also a great advocate for learning and furthering the mind and the body. I find it a little odd yet not really surprising that in this age of an obesity pandemic that any fit toned attractive women will be subjected to the age old bigotry and hatred thrown around in centuries past. I suggest to you that this act is entirely sexist. Not only insulting to women, it insults the massive number of medical professionals struggling to fight back against this obesity pandemic that is costing countries billions of dollars per year. Do I need to start on the other aspect that cheerleading is an international sport or should we all just become big fat lazy couch potatoes and die of a heart attack in our early 40s leaving our kids to be raised in foster homes and by the state? Yet again another radical religious fundamental anti freedom of women doctrine being puked out by some sadly miss guided person.
Marion
Sport should be about what's happening on the field, not T&A in scanty team colours on the sidelines. A percussion team will get the fans blood up better and will appeal to all regardless of age or gender. Good for Crowe and Souths.
Swal
Cheerleaders are a waste of time and an embarrassment to watch. It seems like we are trying to be like America and it just doesnt work. Lets be imaginative and use other entertainment that reflects our unique cultural and country.
P
Drummers?? Didn't the Warriors try that years ago......worked well - yeah right! Whilst I do not appreciate the 'americanisation' of our sports, I think the militant tirades against the cheerleaders on the site so far are led by a bunch of bra-burning Labour/Green voters that exhibit startling prejudices and the ability to over-react to an enormous degree (I particulary enjoyed the one where rape and murder of women was blamed on cheerleaders!!) The fact remains that sport is about entertainment and some people enjoy the spectacle that cheerleaders provide, just like the mascots or pre-match entertainers. I also take particular offence at people characterising cheerleaders as being akin to strippers. That is a petty and spiteful comparison that does not bear up under scrunity. I am a 34 yr old male that gets no personal satisfaction from cheerleaders at the game but am more than happy to let others enjoy the spectacle.
Murray
Russell Crow made the right decesion. Many cheerleading routines are thinly disguised pornography or an advertisement for "sex" nothing more nothing less, they have nothing to do with the football game/team they are supposed to be linked to. These raunchy routines have no place in this day & age & are fundamentally degarding towards women in 2007.
Don
Cheerleaders are part of the game, in some sense they always have been, a group to cheer the players and crowd into supporting the team, they perform with a professional approach and help to hype the crowd into action, they train hard and perform well, some people should get a life and then start to enjoy it
Anna
Whether the move is good or bad has yet to be seen, I can see where Russell Crowe is coming from, but then I don't really mind, I mean being a female, I have to admit that sometimes I do envy these girls, great physique, rhythm, and even get a little bit jealous that they are able to get up close and personal (in a clean way) with some of my Favourite League players, I think for everyone to bag on cheerleaders is a bit harsh, they have been hired to do a job and whether we like it or not they have been employed to do that job, I think cheerleaders don't distract from the game, I mean seriously the only time you really see them is before the game and half time and maybe if you hang around after the game you might see them there, but seriously if your a keen as league fan then the last thing anyone is going to do is watch the girls and miss out on watching their favourite team playing for guts and glory.
K
Firstly to pass judgement on cheerleaders and say they are like exotic dancers or hookers is like passing judgement on your own daughters, nieces, and sisters dancing in public. It is ridiculous to rule out cheerleaders because an overpaid actor does not want them for his league team. To me cheerleaders are about celebrating our team who is playing and entertaining the crowd. People choose to paint their faces different colours, wear crazy wigs and drink alcohol and scream out verbal abuse yet i dont see anyone ruling them out.
And for those women who are complaining about the uniforms, it seems that most of these negative comment are from insecure women who really need to get over it.
Graeme
Australia and New Zealand are not part of America... cheerleaders are quite a pathetic thing to have at games over here. All they are is a 10-second purve opportunitiy when they walk past the stand, or a couple of minute joke when performing at halftime. Don't get me wrong, they are talented women who obviously work very hard at what they do, but really are a waste of time and shouldn't be part of our sports.
J
As a professional cheerleader in NZ, I guess I am likely to be biased, however I believe a few things need to be clarified in order for one to make judgment. Firstly I would like to dispute the fact that we are "the equivalent of strip joint dancing." (Jennifer) It has been a while since I last visited Showgirls but the last time I checked - the girls that work there took off their clothes for their money, danced on poles and did private dances for those willing to pay a little extra. I am sure anyone who has been to a local rugby game will agree with me that it is ridiculous and ignorant to compare us with a strip joint. We have never taken our clothes off; we do not slide around poles and most certainly don't do private dances. Our dances require skill and fitness. Every member of our 20 strong team is a professional trained dancer. We train about 10 hours a week. Many of our girls teach young children to dance outside of the team and we are strong supporters of local communities. Our choreographer also has a team of children who often perform along side us at games.
Brendas comment amuses me somewhat further, "I would much rather watch the game than have to endure watching a nearly naked girl dancing around." Perhaps Brenda needs to pay more attention to the game. Our uniforms are made by James and August which is Sally Ridge's clothing company. Sally is a mother and anyone who has seen her clothing line will agree her clothing is fun and funky. It is not the sort of underwear you wear for a weekend away with your man if you know what I mean... We wear long socks, a skirt and long sleeve top. The top does not show cleavage. I estimate that we show about 10cm of skin across our stomach. In my opinion this does not constitute, 'half naked'. I would also like to comment on Tim's statement, "The "cheerleaders" in New Zealand and Aussie are more like dancing girls, and all they do is dance to popular song - no tricks, no skill... If the crowd wants some good entertainment get real cheerleaders, Save the dancing girls for the clubs". The fact is, three years ago we went for gymnastics-based team. We performed stunts and throws much like American cheerleaders - we even had four boys in our team. The response was negative; we were inundated with comments from fans that preferred our dance approach.
I can't explain to you what it is like to be at a rugby match with 40,000 people, but it is truly an incredible feeling. We are greeted with thousands of smiles, adoring children and fans and always a great applause. These few negative comments have made me question why is that we have to revert back to the 'tall poppy' syndrome in New Zealand.
We are at the rugby to entertain - to make you feel more involved and the large part of people love it. We are all personable girls and I challenge you to find one dance move in our routine which is not suitable for the families we strive to entertain.
Sonia
I agree with almost everyone here, get rid of them. If you want to watch scantly clad women dancing around then go to a gentlemens/strip club. We go to watch the game, not the cheerleaders. Its degrading to women and on to of that, children go to watch these games, I dont see any sense in subjecting them to that sort of behaviour apart from re-inforcing sexist stereotypes.
Lyndal Johns
The problem started years ago when the NRL clubs introduced cheerleaders purely for eye candy. This was bound to happen and unfortunately the sport of cheerleading will suffer, What Russell should have done was to ask the girls to tone it down and become more family orientated which could easily have been done instead of just pushing them around, Similar to pawns in the game of chess. Thanks girls he said but we are now trying drummers. Ah Haa, Russell not every one is going to enjoy drummers.
Hammar
What a tosser!
Marie George
I totally support the axing of cheerleaders from league games. I feel that when taking my 12 year old son to watch a game of league he doesnt need to be embarrassed by the cheerleaders and their rather inappropriate dance moves and their lack of clothing. Well done Russell.
John
Totally unnecessary distraction from the event that spectators paid to attend. American rubbish we dont need. Bring back the mans game & drop the frilly BS.
Sarah
I think that its ridiculous about scrapping the cheerleaders. They are there to help hype up the crowd. Its sad that so many women are against it because of there own insecurities. They sell alcohol at rugby games and let people yell out abuse with children at the game so why get rid of the cheerleaders. Its not going to help the rugby players whether they are there or not. Cheerleaders have been at the rugby for years. I personally think that everyone needs to get over it they are there for some entertainment, and you cant tell me you enjoy laughing when one of the cheerleaders muck up.
Sidy
Maybe Russell should stick to hotel tantrums and phone throwing instead. I am sure he could get a part in the sequel of Brokeback mountain.
Bruce
I go to rugby matches to watch rugby. I cringe at the cheesy antics of the cheerleaders, and hope and pray for the day that we can be rid of what is yet another American intrusion into our culture.
Jake
If I were Russell, I would be more concerned about getting my team away from the bottom of the table, where they've been consistently consigned to for the past few seasons. I feel sorry for the Rabbits fans that the cheerleaders are being taken away - now they might have to watch their dismal team's performances.
Jennifer
Good on you Russell! I am fed up with the equivalent of strip joint dancing at our sports events and its getting worse. Less clothes, more provocative and unnecessary. We girls enjoy our sport too and its great to see a guy take our views on board.
Brenda
My comment I would like to make is that I agree with the scrapping of the cheerleaders, not just because I am female, it is because it is a sport being played and I would much rather watch the game than have to endure watching a nearly naked girl dancing around. If I wanted to see that I would go to a club etc. The world today is getting too pornographic and basically I am sick of it. Good on the broad minded person who came forwarded and made the decision! Have a great day!
Dolly
Cheerleaders are ridiculous. Good on you Souths for making this decision. They do nothing to enhance the game or atmosphere, in fact, at recent outings to Auckland rugby, they seem to have had a knack for jumping about in front of spectators and getting in the way of the game, which I think is what most are there to see. An Australian sports commentator recently wrote "why do we encourage women to support men's sport, instead of participate in womens sport?"
David
Does anyone seriously believe scrapping cheerleaders will improve the game day experience ? You have to feel sorry for the girls who have supported the club faithfully and are now no longer required. Why? Because they are too attractive? Because men may be uncomfortable ? Surely its more likely women , not men who would be uncomfortable around attractive young women ! Maybe the Gladiator was given the hard word !As a single bloke I cant imagine him ever thinking of banning a cheer squad who have been an intrinsic part of the club for eons! Looks like Russ is "marching to the beat of a different drum " nowadays.
Matt
I agree with Russell. We come to watch a game. Its not on. We should have some real entertainment like a band or something. I dont mean to be mean but we like to watch a good game of league.
Warren
What an exhibition of prejudice by Russell Crowe. Obviously his wife does not trust him around the cheerleaders. Fact is that cheerleading is an international sport and a team called the Perth Angels from Australia is competing in the world championships for the first time this year. The girls train as hard as any rugby player and are committed to their sport; such action by Crowe and others is an insult to every single cheerleader and dancer in Australia. Shame on you Crowe.
Louis
Cheerleaders are supporters of their respective clubs. Fans get drunk and yell abuse in front of kids at all footy matches, yet they still sell alcohol. Cheerleaders dance and support their team, yet theres no place for them in the game. Pull your head in Maximus, your club have been playing like a bunch of cheerleaders ever since they were bought back into the comp.
Bex
Thank God there is still some sanity in this world and to think it comes in the form of Russell Crowe! Good riddance. Keep that type of display behind doors at those clubs hidden down dark alleys with poles for your pleasure.
Greg
Lets have some sexy young men in little clothes so we can all be equal. Aye, it is only fair eh?
Jacky
Someone buy that man a beer! I have always thought the relatively recent phenomenon of using cheerleaders in NZ was the games' administrators feeble attempt at having female participation in an event - they only ever look like dolly bird decoration.
William Ronaldson
What NZ sports teams actually have cheerleaders? The blues & the breakers are really the only teams I can think of. The Warrior girls are no longer. You are obviously struggling for topics if this is your subject for the day.
Mimi
I am glad they are getting rid of the dancers! I used to enjoy team sports, but the girls dressed in skimpy costume, gyrating around suggestively like strippers, blocking the play, is annoying and insulting to women, inappropriate for kids and families and distracts from the sport. Drumming can be really exciting and everyone can enjoy it.
Adam
Russell Crowes move throws light on one of the many problems I have had with watching a rugby game at Eden Park. For years I have wondered who has been teaching the cheerleaders to dance. Is it one of the girls from Mermaids or maybe is she from showgirls. The only thing they have been missing out in the middle is a pole to hang off. Its an embarrassment and the sooner it changes the better. Add to that the choice of beer, the friendly security staff, the comfortable seating, the gourmet food on offer, the strip search on the way in and sometimes on the way out, the one ticket booth per 10000 persons..Eden Park is a disaster and so are the cheerleaders, get rid of both of them.
Tim
The plain simple truth is that in America cheerleading is its own sport and while they still rely on looks the girls (and guys) are really talented. Some of the tosses and jumps they do are amazing (more like gymnastics than dancing). The "cheerleaders" in New Zealand and Aussie are more like dancing girls, and all they do is dance to popular song - no tricks, no skill.. If the crowd wants some good entertainment get real cheerleaders, Save the dancing girls for the clubs.
Thom Montgomery
In reference to Russell Crowes elimination of the pom-pom girls, glad to see he can still curry favour with the fems, be politically correct, and achieve so little that is relevant to the game. How nice that he pays attention to such immaterial matters.
Kate
Regardless of what anyone thinks of cheerleaders, I think the drumming is a better option. What's the bet its a huge success and catches on really fast?
AJ
Well Done Russell! I have always found that having a bunch of girls prancing around whilst a game was playing to be slightly annoying, especially if you are sitting in the lower seats, They just got in the way of what I paid to come see.
Suesa Iopu
I say can them. Its more American than anything. Its not Kiwi or Aussie style. Its all about the game not watching a bunch of prima donas prancing up and down like rabbits and probably if truth be known, probably they dont know the first thing about the game itself. Go figure.
Stephanie
As a woman, I dont generally have a problem with cheerleaders at football matches, its kind of a tradition. They entertain the crowd when the game is boring. But unfortunately over the past few years their routines have changed from dancing to basically strip dancing without taking their clothes off, and their costumes have gotten smaller and smaller. Yes, they are good looking women, but they dont need to dance like strippers to prove it. The moves are too raunchy for what should be a family friendly event.
Arthur
What a sad reflection of our random prejudices. I wonder how many of the female fans are there to enjoy watching the muscular players struggling with each other in their tight little shorts?
Sheryl Gledhill
I agree totally with Russell Crowe! Cheerleaders are nothing more than exhibitionists and I would never go to a game while they were there. The message they send out is women are for decoration and are sex objects. We want to be treated as equal people and respected not raped and murdered! Yay Russell Crowe -best thing he has done!
Samantha
Good for Russell for scrapping cheerleaders. They are silly. They should take up a sport if they need to work out, and how about people watching the match, Isnt that why they go to a game? Its beyond me why they are needed, especially for any game that runs continually. Of course American football (gridiron) is so slow and boring they are needed there!
