Indianapolis, IN (My Sportsbook) - USA Gymnastics, the United States' governing body for gymnastics, will sanction collegiate cheerleading events, it was announced Thursday.

The National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) made the announcement, while also announcing that its current name has been changed from the National Collegiate Stunts and Tumbling Association.

The name change and sanctioning decision were made in an effort to align the group with the competitive gymnastics community, as opposed to sideline cheerleading.

"This is a natural extension for USA Gymnastics to work with the NCATA," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "This sport combines many of the skills taught throughout gymnastics disciplines and provides a whole new level of opportunity for our athletes."

The NCATA is made up of six member schools -- Azusa Pacific University, Baylor University, Fairmont State University, University of Maryland, University of Oregon and Quinnipiac University -- and has the goal of reaching NCAA emerging sport status.

NCATA athletes and coaches will become members of USA Gymnastics. The all- female acrobatics and tumbling teams in the NCATA already comply with NCAA rules and regulations.