my essay:
Walking through A.P. Sawyer Park where Lyndon Recreational softball and baseball are played, one can observe the difference in the softball and baseball fields. There is the obvious distinction between the two kinds of fields based upon rules of each game, but there is another difference. The grass in the outfields of the baseball fields is neatly and precisely mowed with few traces of weeds, while the outfields of the softball fields are less tidily mowed and scattered with weeds. This may not seem like a huge matter but to some, including myself, it is. It is a simple but clear portrayal of the inequity of male and female sports. In order to end gender discrimination in colleges, the United States Supreme Court issued an act in 1972 known as Title IX. The major issue Title IX addressed was college sports. In order to obey Title IX and give women equal opportunities in college athletics, mens sports funding has had to be cut in order to establish womens sports. Opponents of Title IX say this is unfair because mens sports earn more revenue than womens sports. I believe, as a proponent for Title IX, the act is completely fair. I believe women and men deserve equal opportunities in athletics, regardless of the amount of money the sports raise.
Allowing women equal opportunities in sports can result in more prospects for women in society and can improve womens health. Women exhibiting their strength, talent, and attitude on a playing field or in a gymnasium can rescind the belief that women are the weaker gender. The stereotypical principle that men are more interested in sports is a myth. In 1972 before Title IX was passed, 8% of women participated in high school sports. Since then that number has escalated to over 40%. The cause for the low number of participation before Title IX was the lack of opportunity to partake in sports, not the lack of interest. (Efforts to reach gender equity should be augmented and follow the current Office for Civil Rights guidelines and interpretations, 1995, p. 1). In regard to womens health, playing sports increases not only physical health but mental health. Women make up about 80% of the people who suffer osteoporosis. One out of two women over the age of 60 has osteoporosis, and never had the chance to become physically fit. Partaking in physical activity at least 4 hours a week reduces the risk of breast cancer by nearly 50%. High school girls who participate in sports are 80% less likely to have unwanted pregnancies, 92% less likely to do drugs, and 3 times more likely to graduate with higher levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. (Efforts to reach gender equity should be augmented and follow the current Office for Civil Rights guidelines and interpretations, 1995, p. 1). Under Title IX, women received many more opportunities to participate in sports. Athletics can improve womens health, reduce the amount of discrimination in society, create lasting relationships and friendships, and offer feelings of accomplishment for women everywhere.
In order to comply with the terms of Title IX, funding for mens college sports has had to be cut to create womens sports. Title IX bases gender equity in sports on equivalence in the quality and amount of equipment, supplies, practices, competitions, travel accommodations and necessities, coaches, locker rooms, facilities, training facilities, medical treatments, and other services. Title IX also says that schools must supply the necessary funding to make the quality of mens and womens sports equal. This does not mean that the amount spent on mens sports must equal the amount spent on womens, but it does mean that both must be equivalent in quality. Title IX requires that womens athletic interests must be met and that women should have the chance to participate in a variety of different sports. This does not, however, mean that the number of mens and womens sports have to be equal. (Promoting Gender Equity in Middle and Secondary School Sports Programs, 2004, p. 1). Many anti-Title IX arguers say that the establishment of womens sports has been at the expense of mens sports. This belief is untrue. For example, in 1994 the spectatorship of football (the college sport that brings in the most revenue) increased by 2 million. Even the spending and participation for mens and womens sports are unequal. NCAA participation is roughly 36% female and 64% male. Also, for every new dollar for females in [the NCAA] Division 1-A, there are 3 new dollars for men. (Efforts to reach gender equity should be augmented and follow the current Office for Civil Rights guidelines and interpretations, 1995, p. 1). The best mens basketball and football coaches receive up to double or triple the salary of college presidents, and the assistant coaches receive more than some of the colleges best teachers. On the other hand, many womens sports teams have only volunteer graduates as assistant coaches. (Fakehany, 2004, p.1). Title IX proponents strongly disagree with those who say that college sports should be based on the revenue sports bring in. Title IX is important because before it women had little or no opportunities in sports. It was before Title IX that one group had sports at the expense of the other group, not after. Colleges should provide opportunity in proportion to the student population and to provide opportunity for one group at the expensive of another is wrong. A lot of anti-Title IX argument is based on revenue that mens sports bring into schools. The paradigm of college sports should be the student athlete and not the revenue-enhancing athlete.
Title IX is extremely important to women everywhere. It has given women more rights and recognition, not only in sports but in academics, too. However, there are still gender discrimination practices in sports, which inhibit the development of womens sports. Those who argue against Title IX say that sports should be based on revenue and not interest. This is like saying you cannot do something you enjoy if you do not make money from it. Is that fair? Women should have the right to play sports whether or not the sport makes money. Title IX is completely fair. It gives women opportunity to play sports, which in turn improves mental and physical health, feelings of purpose, and more opportunities in things besides sports.
need opinions!! if i'm going to become an author, i need criticism!!!
have a good derby day tomorrow everyone!
i'm sure you wouldn't mind a little 
craziness 
once and a while!! 
. We played the best team in our league...they've been the best for as long as anyone can remember, as well as my town's rival. The final score was 7-3...not too bad. I got a single and stole base, walked, and struck out. I caught a pop-up and fielded some random ground outs...nothign major, especially since I wasn't at 100%.
A motto I try to live by is "never skip a Disney trip if you don't really have to!"
