Cheerleaders

[BigJoe]

I should have made it clear that this was an older small gym and the cheerleaders were standing on the baseline maybe 8' from the lane extended and I was right among them. If they had been sitting in the stands, there would be no controversy. This happens alot having to step on the cheerleaders in the smaller gyms. I don't understand why they have to be in the "bunch" formation on the endline rather than on the sideline where they can bug the coaches instead of the officials. Usually one or two well placed whistles or stepping on toes has them on the lookout when I am the lead official.
Thanks for the replies. I don't agree with the statement that the cheerleaders are the same as fans. If they were, we certainly wouldn't let them stand on the baseline. I would associate them closer to the team than the fans.

Keep 'em "straight up"