Published: July 19, 2000
1. Millions of people, especially young children are exposed to Olympic pictogram images on television, at Olympic venues, in publications and on licensed products sold worldwide. These images influence the beliefs and perceptions of millions of men and women about the participation and abilities of female athletes. The pictograms should equally represent both male and female athletes or be sufficiently generic to be gender neutral.
2. Support the Ted Stevens Olympic and "Amateur Sports Act" requirement that the United States Olympic Committee and all national governing bodies provide standardized baseline data that is available to the public on a quadrennial basis detailing the participation of women and other underrepresented groups as participants, coaches, managers, officials employees and appointed and elected leaders and the financial support of sports programs for women and other underrepresented groups. Full disclosure provides an incentive to comply with the Amateur Sport Act and builds public trust.
3. Support the position that the committee responsible for annual review of the performance of each national sport governing body under the provisions of the Amateur Sports Act consist of both NBG and non-NGB affiliated experts.
4. Support the position that no USOC member, including closed competition organizations, should restrict an athlete's access to coaching and training.
5. Support legislation which would require each NGB to provide executive board representation to grassroots multi-sport community organizations serving youth sports.
6. Support legislation that would require a certain percentage of USOC development funds to NGBs be designated for the development of grassroots sports. The definition of grassroots sport should be sufficiently broad based to include youth sports and those athletes with talent who lack the financial resources to acquire the experience and training necessary to move into developmental programs that precede elite level programs.
7. Support the adoption of operating procedures that specify that lack of equitable representation of women and minorities on NGB executive boards and standing committees is grounds for denial of USOC development funds.
8. Support legislation that would require that the USOC and each NGB develop and begin to implement an affirmative action plan designed to create more equitable representation of women and minorities in all elected and paid positions in these organizations.
9. Support gender testing in sport only if it is required for both genders and if tests are valid and appropriate with regard to assessment of physical advantage.
10. Support the development and dissemination of educational materials that:
a. provides a balanced perspective on the benefits of sports participation for women and the female athlete triad of health concerns: disordered eating, menstrual cycle dysfunctions and osteoporosis.
b. discourages inappropriate and unethical relationships between coaches and athletes as they relate to the physical, mental and sexual abuse or harassment of female athletes
c. educates boys about their role in the support and encouragement of women's sports participation
11. Support the rights of girls and women to participate in every sport, including those in which women have not traditionally participated (i.e., power lifting, wrestling, etc.) and those which discriminate on the basis of age. Encourage the development of competitive divisions by age in order to promote continued participation and discourage physical abuse of younger female athletes.
12. Support the adoption of coaching certification requirements and the establishment of coach certification educational programs by all NGBs.
13. Support increased opportunities for women to participate in the Olympic Games with immediate action requested on the issue of equal numbers of participation opportunities, events and medals.
14. Support the adoption of USOC legislation that prohibits gender discrimination in NGB rules, regulations governing participation and employment opportunities and benefits afforded coaches, athletes, managers and trainers.
Last updated: August, 2000