- The boys' basketball team's trophy is displayed prominently in a trophy case outside the gymnasium. The girls' volleyball team's trophy sits inconspicuously on a shelf inside the women's locker room.
- The boys' football team receives new jerseys every year. The girls' basketball team's uniforms are hand-me-downs from previous years.- The boys compete in games scheduled for the weekends when families can attend. The girls play after school on weekdays.
These examples of disparity in treatment of male and female athletes can be found in some Utah high schools, says Barry Gomberg, Affirmative Action administrator for Weber State College.
"Inconsistencies in treatment communicate that girls are valued less for what they do. It chips away at self-esteem," Gomberg told participants Friday at Utah's first conference examining equity in school sports.
Equity in athletics is a "vexing issue," said Gomberg. Schools are improving treatment of female athletes, but some only because of pressure, he said.
Montana has developed one of the most progressive and equitable sports systems in the nation, but only after three female athletes in 1981 sued school districts for discrimination. Even though the case was settled out of court, attorney fees for the districts surpassed $700,000.
Utah's schools paid attention to the sports opportunities offered girls when, in December, Roy resident Joe Langeveld filed a complaint against six northern Utah school districts alleging violation of federal laws prohibiting discrimination in education based on gender. He accused the districts of offering varsity soccer teams for boys but not for girls.
In early January, under the threat of the complaint, the Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned soccer and softball as varsity sports for girls.
A good test of equity would be to have the male athletes divide school equipment, finances, training programs, playing schedules and then allow the female athletes to choose which half they would like first, said Gomberg.
"If one side of the scale outweighs the other, then schools should probably be cautious of a violation," he warned.
Establishing equity does not mean treating male and females the same. Their interests are different. But there should be equal opportunity. Women should not be offered less.
Just as it would not be fair to offer advanced math classes to men only, it is not be fair to offer certain sports to only men, he said.
"Let's not fight mindlessly to take women to where men are in sports. Let's look at what's best for the other."
*****
(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Word to the wise
To avoid lawsuits and promote equity, school administrators should:
- Show progress in the variety and numbers of sports offered women. Even if total equity is not reached, progress will show good intent.
- Employ women to coach women. Ultimately, men and women coaches should coach both sexes.
- Consider female gender as a plus when hiring qualified coaches.