Preventing girls from playing certain sports is nothing new, especially in football. One athlete faced this challenge when the head of the football league said she could not play on a team that already accepted and respected her “because she is a girl.” This article summarizes one athlete’s struggle to understand the discrimination against her. It shows her mother’s struggle to help her daughter understand she should be able to do everything the boys can and to stand up for herself. This story represents one of the many interesting stories the Foundation receives.
Harassment by coaches is nothing new, but it continues to be a situation the Foundation constantly encounters. Coaches using their status and playing on the fears of young women represents the beginning of sexual harassment. This article summarizes one girl’s struggle to keep sexual harassment against her friend and teammate a secret. Her struggle can be an inspiration to many others to do the right thing in the face of fear. This story represents just one of the many the Foundation receives.
"You are a cancer, cancer is bad...,” refusals to assist athletes with college recruiting, constant screaming for minor errors, these examples represent just some of the experiences of athletes face by coaching bulling. This article summarizes the thoughts and experiences many athletes face today at the hands of their coaches and displays how sports can materialize into a nightmare when athletes face coaching bullying.
Every individual has the right to experience life to the fullest. Being physically active and participating in sports is not just a pastime, it is a stepping stone for building character, confidence and courage in all aspects of life. Students with disabilities have long been hindered from enjoying athletics as many schools across the nation do not guarantee physical education opportunities for them. On April 7, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students With Disabilities Act. The bill requires that schools ensure that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in physical education and athletic programs. Read more about this victory!
The inclusion of women in baseball has caused much controversy. Critics believe that softball is the female equivalent to baseball. Contrary to popular belief, softball is not the equivalent to baseball. The rules, innings, field dimensions, equipment and skills of softball are vastly different from baseball. With the enactment of Title IX, girls and women do not have to decide which sport to play. Educational programs and institutions receiving federal funds for activities are required to let girls and women try out for the baseball team. Let’s play ball!