WILSONVILLE — Change can be a good thing.

In the case of cheerleading, the Oregon School Activities Association’s recent addition of a Game Day division to its state championship offerings and winter sports activities is being regarded as a very good move.

The OSAA cheerleading season typically begins in December and January, and its state championships are in February and will be returning to Oregon City High School.

Now, after approval by the OSAA Executive Board, schools may choose to compete in either the traditional cheering competition or the new Game Day division.

Traditional cheer involves tumbling and stunts.

Game Day is basically sideline cheering as football or basketball fans would see and hear during game situations, such as when one team is driving for a touchdown or attempting to stop the other team.

A Game Day routine typically takes three minutes, incorporates the school fight song and can include the mascot, signs, banners, flags, poms and megaphones.

“Game Day is a phenomenon happening across the nation,” said Kyle Stanfield, an OSAA assistant executive director. “It brings in schools focused on supporting teams from the sidelines. It’s a way to increase participation and have other teams come for state championships.”

Kelly Foster, the OSAA assistant executive director in charge of cheerleading, first saw Game Day competition at the Texas high school championships about five years ago.

“I thought it was so cool and would be a great fit for Oregon, especially for our schools in areas that are more remote or don’t have the tumbling or strong tradition,” she said. “A lot of people will love it. It really is what a team does on a sideline on a Friday night.”

The 2023 OSAA cheer championships are set for Feb. 11, and Foster said they probably again will have large and small school divisions and take place at Oregon City High.