Gender Equality In College Sports
College athletics have been a huge part of the university experience since college life began. Female athletes are discriminated against when performing in the male-dominated athletic world and receive unequal benefits due to their gender. Title IX, founded in 1972, has increased educational and athletic opportunities for female athletes by enforcing the law that all educational programs funded by the federal government must provide gender equality (Issitt 1). Over the last forty years, Title IX has been one of the most controversial topics in sports because critics believe that by equalizing the playing field, males are receiving unnecessary reductions in funding (Issitt 1). Title IX has laid the foundation to give women equal rights in sports,
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Females tend not to quit sports based on lack of interest, but rather a lack of opportunities (“Battle for Gender Equity” 2). In athletic participation, “Women have 60,000 fewer opportunities to become involved in athletics”(Issitt 4). Collegiate sports organizations are required to make “equal” opportunities for both males and females. It is noticed that female recruiting funds are declining as there continue to be talented male athletes making their way up to the collegiate level. Female students make up over half of the student body at NCAA campuses, but “receive only 43% of athletic participation opportunities” (“Battle for Gender Equity” 2). Females receive “36% of overall athletic operating budgets and 32% of the dollars are spent to recruit new athletes” (Annexstein 1). This means that 64% of athletic operating budgets and 68% of recruitment funds are for males, results in an unequal balance between males and females. Women’s programs are not supported financially and colleges cannot adequately hire coaches and recruiting staff. Female programs are unable to offer scholarships and support, resulting in lower participation. When athletes do commit they receive far fewer resources such as equipment, uniforms, and training facilities (“Women’s Sports Foundation”). Women lack the opportunities for athletic success because they do not get enough equal chances as males, especially in a number of training funds. Female participation is deteriorating because male programs are more financially stable, allowing players the chance to be on the
Females tend not to quit sports based on lack of interest, but rather a lack of opportunities (“Battle for Gender Equity” 2). In athletic participation, “Women have 60,000 fewer opportunities to become involved in athletics”(Issitt 4). Collegiate sports organizations are required to make “equal” opportunities for both males and females. It is noticed that female recruiting funds are declining as there continue to be talented male athletes making their way up to the collegiate level. Female students make up over half of the student body at NCAA campuses, but “receive only 43% of athletic participation opportunities” (“Battle for Gender Equity” 2). Females receive “36% of overall athletic operating budgets and 32% of the dollars are spent to recruit new athletes” (Annexstein 1). This means that 64% of athletic operating budgets and 68% of recruitment funds are for males, results in an unequal balance between males and females. Women’s programs are not supported financially and colleges cannot adequately hire coaches and recruiting staff. Female programs are unable to offer scholarships and support, resulting in lower participation. When athletes do commit they receive far fewer resources such as equipment, uniforms, and training facilities (“Women’s Sports Foundation”). Women lack the opportunities for athletic success because they do not get enough equal chances as males, especially in a number of training funds. Female participation is deteriorating because male programs are more financially stable, allowing players the chance to be on the