[hillbilly]

I understand that.
My question is why isn't there a sancioning body that classifies, rather than the squad "declaring" every year where they will compete?

I realize it's different but a situation comes to mind for comparison.
What if a 195lb boxer wanted to "declare" himself competing in the 165lb division???

KAPOS is the organization for Kentucky. The cheerleaders have to abide by many of the state regulations, but yet the state does not recognize them as a sport. The state officials used to take out the KAPOS winners during halftime of the basketball finals and recognize them, but the current administration (female leader)has stopped this. In reference to your situation from above, it would be like Phelps , Paintsville, and Pikeville competing against Dunbar, Madison Central, and othe large schools every year. All of the national competitions are based on squad numbers not school size.