Do You Know the Factors Influencing Girls’ Participation in Sports?
The Goingfitunfit has uncovered key factors that contribute to this worrying statistic. Continue reading to find out how these factors impact girls' sports experiences and why they should stay involved.
- They quit because:
Access is not available. Girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities than Case Study on Women Participation in High School Sports. Girls must look for other sports, such as those that are not available in high school or college. Girls often find it difficult to play sports because they don't have access to the right facilities.
- They quit because:
Transportation and safety issues. Sport requires a place to play. For many girls living in dense urban areas, this means that they have to travel through dangerous neighborhoods to reach facilities or are unable to find a facility far away. If there's no safe alternative like carpooling with other family members, the only option for a young girl and her family is to stay at home.
Girls who engage in sport during their adolescence or young adulthood are 20% less likely than those who do not.
- They quit because:
Social stigma. Despite progress in recent years, discrimination against female athletes based on their sexual orientation or gender identity continues. Bullying, social isolation, negative performance appraisals or losing their starting position are all possible for girls involved in sports. Many girls who are socially fragile experience the fear of being called "gay" and have to leave the sport.
American families have a lot to gain from sports, as they foster communication between parents and their children
- They quit because:
A decrease in quality. Girls may experience a decline in their sporting experience as they grow up. Facilities are less than those available for boys, and playing times can be longer. There may not be enough qualified coaches in the community, or they may be more interested in training boys. Many Girls In Sports programs are not funded at the same level as boys. This limits their potential to enjoy and grow in the sport. Sports are no longer "fun".
- They quit because:
Cost. School sport budgets are being cut every day across the country. Families must choose to participate in private programs, despite the fact that there are fewer opportunities at schools. This means they will have to pay more for equipment, coaches and travel expenses. Many families cannot afford this additional expense.
Girls who are involved in sports have higher levels of family satisfaction than their male counterparts.
- They quit because:
There are few positive role models. Girls today are constantly bombarded by images of external beauty and not female role models who are confident and strong. Some girls believe that fitting in the mold they are told to follow is more important than standing apart. Girls can feel pressured by their peers at any age. If they aren't encouraged to be active and to exercise, it could lead to them dropping out.