CWA's proposal would be step in wrong direction (Title IX)

And right now, after the NCAA's Committee on Women's Athletics last week proposed a ban on the use of male practice players in women's intercollegiate athletics, there might not be a hotter topic in sports.

According to the CWA's statement, "any inclusion of male practice players results in diminished participation opportunities for female student-athletes, contrary to the association's principles of gender equity, nondiscrimination, competitive equity and student-athlete well-being."

Still, my biggest issue is that the CWA thinks it needs to regulate coaches. Basketball coaches should not be told whether their players are getting enough playing time or when their players need a drink of water.

I think this is an interesting article on a couple levels. FWIW, I agree with the author that additional regulation about how teams can practice is counterproductive. That said, I find it somewhat amusing that those who invoke Title IX when it's to their benefit are displeased when the logical extension of the act goes too far.

Also, a couple disclaimers: This is over a week old, but I couldn't find it posted. Also, while this is an OpEd piece, I posted it in the news forum because the topic is newsworthy.

Thanks for the ping, NL. Gosh, just thinking, my daughter met her future hubby when she played at Ohio State, and he was one of the practice players..... (as well as the team videographer.) I'm also reminded of how guys in HS didn't want to up against my daughter, cause they knew she'd take them to school. (She'd cringe if she knew I was writing this, but it's true).

From the article:

any inclusion of male practice players results in diminished participation opportunities for female student-athletes, contrary to the association's principles of gender equity, nondiscrimination, competitive equity and student-athlete well-being

This makes absolutely no sense to me. You can't have it both ways. I agree with Title IX, however for practice?

Number one, you probably wouldn't find that many women who would want to up against the these women in practice. In the Big Ten, the competition is big and rough. My daughter is 120 lbs. soaking wet, but she had the drive to get knocked down, and pick herself up, many times. In my opinion, and experience, not many women would want to go up against that abuse, if they are not completely dedicated to the game.

Does this mean that women should practice with the men's teams?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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