To give a definition, a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” So, by this definition, color guard is a sport.

Color guard involves physical exertion, especially while practicing. One may watch a color guard team perform for a fifteen-minute halftime show and think it must be effortless but, they usually don’t see the hours of practice time put in almost every day. They are constantly carrying, twisting, and throwing heavy flags, rifles, and sabers. Not only that, but they are also jumping, running, and dancing at the same time. Not to mention, they also have to memorize the choreography of their routine.

Color guard also involves quite a bit of skill. Much like other sports, there are basic certain skills and techniques one needs to learn to be on a color guard team. These include tossing and catching rifles, flags, and sabers. It also requires a certain amount of flexibility. Much like dance and gymnastics, there are constant jumps, leaps, and kicks. Timing and rhythm are also important when competing on a team like this. It takes coordination and skill to be synchronized with a team like that.

Though you may only see them during the halftime show, many high school color guard teams will compete, usually on weekends, with other local schools. They are judged based on their technical execution, synchronization, and musicality.

Yes, the color guard is entertaining. Color guard teams add an interesting visual aspect to the band, and they can do some pretty amazing tricks. The flag throwing, rifle twirling, and dancing that all happen during the performance are always captivating; and for all of the people out there who go to sports games just because their friends are going, the halftime show is probably the most entertaining part.

So, why do some people not consider color guard a sport? Well, oftentimes they don’t realize just how much work is put in by the team. They often don’t know about the tiring hours of practice put in each day to perfect their performance.

Color guard is not recognized enough for the extensive amount of work put into learning the extravagant dances and the tosses included in their routines. Color guard fits the definition of a sport, so why say it’s not?

Just because it doesn’t involve a ball does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because you don’t like it does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because it’s not always rightfully appreciated does not mean it’s not a sport. The sooner you accept it the sooner you can learn to appreciate it: color guard is a sport.