Sport Opportunities for Females in College

When Title IX came into effect in 1972, it challenged colleges to offer increased sport opportunities for women. Since 1972, the number of women participating in college sports has increased five fold. Colleges were required to offer improved ratios of scholarships for women sports and to obtain sex equality in sports.

Generally, colleges compare the ratio of women in athletics to the ratio of women in their undergraduate programs to determine compliance with Title IX. The (CHE) Chronicle of Higher Education report in July 2002, stated that 45 colleges are in compliance with Title IX. Thousands of colleges still have challenges to become compliant with Title IX according to the CHE. Ohio State, Syracuse and Texas Tech are three of the schools in compliance with Title IX according to the CHE.

Many colleges have begun cutting back on the opportunities for men sports and increasing the opportunities for women to be compliant with these new guidelines. Sports such as wresting and gymnastics for men are being cut at colleges, and sports such as golf and rowing are being offered to women. Colleges have a set amount of money to dedicate to athletics and smaller men’s sports are being cut to allow sports like football and baseball to continue.

College women have been offered new chances for scholarships and funding for college. Many colleges are desperately seeking women for rowing, soccer, and golf teams to reach equality ratios. College females who need extra money for college, and have even a small amount of athletic ability will be considered for these positions. If a high school senior has kept in shape and likes working out, then rowing in college may be close to a free ride. If a high school senior has played golf several times, they may qualify for women’s college team at a small school.

Currently, some male college athletes are crying foul play and charging discrimination, if their sport program is being cut. However, colleges are trying to balance the books and comply with Title IX. Changes are probably coming to Title IX; however, the precedent of increased women participation in sports has already been determined.