Fair Play in Community Sports
Females and males should have equal opportunities to participate in athletic activities and under comparable conditions. Since the early 1970s, the federal Title IX law has banned discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal money. As a result of this law, the number of girls participating in high school sports has increased tenfold, and the number of girls participating in college sports has increased fivefold.
But women and girls who play in community recreation leagues often do not have facilities and playing conditions comparable to those of males. In many instances, female teams are relegated the worst maintained fields, the most undesirable practice and play times, and the least experienced referees.
We support legislation sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Rep. Christine Rolfes to strengthen and clarify state law providing protections against gender inequities in government-supported local and regional programs. The legislation would require cities and counties to ensure equal access to sports facilities for all athletes, regardless of sex.
