Yes, winterguard is a sport. It is a competitive activity that involves performing with flags, rifles, and sabres to music. It is similar to color guard, but it is performed in the winter months. Winterguard teams typically compete in indoor competitions, which makes them different from other color guard teams that compete outdoors.
Winterguard has its origins in the military. In the early 1900s, soldiers would carry flags and rifles as they marched in parades. This tradition eventually made its way into high school marching bands. Winterguard teams started popping up in the 1970s as a way for band members to stay involved during the winter months when there were no marching band competitions.
Today, winterguard is a highly competitive activity with its own set of rules and scoring system. There are three main divisions: WGI (formerly known as Winter Guard International), USAG (United States Association of Guardsmen), and IAIGC (International Association of Indoor Guard Captains). Each division has different rules and regulations governing how competitions are run.
Whether you call it a sport or an art form, winterguard is a unique activity that takes dedication and discipline to master. If you’re looking for a challenge this winter, give it a try!