On June 23, 1972, Title IX was instituted into law, protecting people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. We celebrate the laws 45th anniversary by looking at the strides the law has made in the educational department, but mainly within the NCAA.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. ”
Title IX has been the most effective among female student-athletes, giving them a fair opportunity to play sports and not be washed out to their male counterparts. Not only does it help student-athletes, but it also helps to improve upon educational programs within universities and other educational based facilities.
The NCAA has issued a report in the days leading up to the 45th anniversary of Title IX, stating the status of women in intercollegiate athletics. There were a number of key findings from the report, including:
- The number of female student-athletes is at an all-time high. The number of both male and female sports have continued to set NCAA participation records year after year, with the rate looking to continue on this path.
- The report also finds that Division I athletics has the greatest gap in spending between men’s and women’s athletic programs. The number is estimated to be an average of twice as much being spent on men’s programs as opposed to women’s. At the Division II and III levels, the spending difference is more equitable.
- In all NCAA head coaching, athletic director and conference commissioner positions, women hold about 23 percent of these jobs.
According to the NCAA research page on Twitter, there are 120,000 more women participating in NCAA athletics today than there were 30 years ago, with the help of Title IX.
There are 120,000 more women participating in NCAA athletics today than 30 years ago. #TitleIXat45 pic.twitter.com/Vw5gec6cWQ
— NCAA Research (@NCAAResearch) June 23, 2017
Outside of participation rates in sports occurring across the NCAA, women who participate in NCAA sanctioned events express other positives to college athletic participation.
What do NCAA women say they gain from college athletics participation? #TitleIXat45 pic.twitter.com/t8TiTgAJvT
— NCAA Research (@NCAAResearch) June 23, 2017
Volleyball ranks fourth in the NCAA in terms of the number of participants with 17,119 across all divisions of play. The trend of volleyball is ever increasing as well, with the women’s volleyball increasing by 8 percent in the past five years. In addition, women student-athletes have increased by 25.7 percent over the past 10 years.
Which NCAA women's sports have the most participants? Track & Field (29k) and Soccer (27k) lead: https://t.co/FvokAQwoH3 #TitleIXat45 pic.twitter.com/WEAlhrFLt0
— NCAA Research (@NCAAResearch) June 23, 2017
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