(AP) -- New York education officials have voted to recognize competitive cheerleading as a sport to improve safety and coaching standards.

The state Board of Regents voted unanimously in favor of the measure a day after it was approved by one of its committees.

The Regents say the measure will help ensure that coaches are properly trained and that schools follow a common set of standards. Right now, there are no limits on the length of seasons or required practice days.

New York had been considering whether to recognize cheerleading as an interscholastic sport since 2009. State officials say 34 states and the District of Columbia currently do so.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has already drafted proposed rules and regulations.