Female Athletes

Since being enacted in 1972, Title IX has increased female participation levels exponentially (NCWGE, 2013). Female athletes of all ages are healthier, more academically successful and have higher self esteem than non-athletes. In addition, young girls who participate in sports and regular physical activities exhibit enhanced motivation, improved mood states and lower levels of depression and anxiety. (Stewart,2000) In 1972 only 4% of girls played high school sports, in 2012, some forty years later, that number has now reached 33%, these numbers show an incredible increase due to the opportunities now available to young women. (Driscoll, 2000) Yet, the participation numbers for females on all levels of athletics has not been able to equal that of their male counterparts. A variety of athletic opportunities are now available for females, but overall participation numbers are still not equal to males. Though this problem exists at all levels, the research conducted will focus only on interscholastic athletics.
Few, if any, studies have reported on …show more content…
Richard Bailey (2004), “Regular participation in physical activity is associated with a longer and better quality of life, reduced risks of a variety of diseases and many psychological and emotional benefits.” If cessation rates are not reduced, then opportunities to enjoy the benefits outlined by Dr. Bailey will be diminished for both female and male athletes. Determining the most important factors that will encourage higher levels of participation among females in interscholastic athletics is critical and may result in a reduction of female cessation rates. Collecting quantifiable data on both male and female motivational factors will enable Athletic Administrators to determine the best practices for motivational techniques that coaches will be able to implement into their programs. Once these practices are employed, the cessation rate will be reduced, increasing participation by female