Opportunities

As women of the 21st century we are guaranteed endless opportunities and rights for equality in interscholastic sports. Athleticism used to be viewed as a display of masculinity, strength, and power but today can be looked at from an asexual standpoint. Sports have evolved from primarily male dominated events to what is now mutual participation of both sexes.

Title IX-

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 was a major landmark in the push for equality amongst sexes both in academics or athletics. Title IX states:
" No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid".

Title IX demands equivalent treatment, funding, and benefits to both sexes in interscholastic sports. This covers equipment, traveling expenses, practice or game schedules, facilities, medical or training services, recruitment, and publicity. By instituting this law males and females alike avoid under representation or mistreatment.

Post Title IX-

Since the establishment of Title IX there has been a dramatic increase in female participation and involvement in interscholastic athletics from 300,000 women in the 1970's to over 2 million today. There are several well-known organizations geared towards encouraging and supporting equality of sexes for female athletes including the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS), Women's Sports Foundation, and the National Women's Hall of Fame. Although Title IX has not completely achieved its goal for equality in regards to participation, spectator viewing, and media coverage, organizations like the ones given above give female athletes incentive to strive for continued change.

National Association for Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS)-

Mission Statement: "To be the premiere organization dedicated to addressing issues and promoting opportunities for all girls and women in sport.To develop and deliver equitable and quality sport opportunities for ALL girls and women through relevant research, advocacy, leadership development, educational strategies, and programming in a manner that promotes social justice and change." (2)

About Women's Sports Foundation-

'"Explore reports on Title IX, sport psychology, teen pregnancy, sexual harassment, health & fitness and more as the number one resource for girls and women in sports. With access to women's sports experts in a variety of fields including sports medicine, gender equity and discrimination, we're poised to give you answers to your women's sports questions" (3)

The National Women's Hall of Fame-

Mission Statement and Objectives: "To honor in perpetuity these women, citizens of the United States of America whose contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy and science, have been the greatest value for the development of their country."© The Hall is a shrine to some of the greatest women in the history of this country and a tribute that grows annually with each induction ceremony as we learn to appreciate more about the wonderful contributions that women make to our civilization. (4)