In contact sports, the primary issue of concern with regard to competition between the sexes, is one of safety and fair competition. In general, sports have separate teams and competitions for men and women because at higher levels of skill and competition, the average male athlete has greater muscle mass per unit volume of body tissue (and therefore greater strength) than the average female athlete. As long as competing athletes are matched by ability, muscle mass and other standardized physical variables critical to success in the sport, competition between males and females should be permitted.
In contact sports, the primary issue of concern with regard to competition between the sexes, is one of safety and fair competition. In general, sports have separate teams and competitions for men and women because at higher levels of skill and competition, the average male athlete has greater muscle mass per unit volume of body tissue (and therefore greater strength) than the average female athlete. As long as competing athletes are matched by ability, muscle mass and other standardized physical variables critical to success in the sport, competition between males and females should be permitted.
