In a recent rule change, NCAA Divisions I, II and III announced that softball and baseball will now be considered two different sports, a major victory for girls in baseball. The rule change is a reversal of old interpretations, which stated that baseball and softball were the same sport. Under those old rules, softball players could not play on an organized baseball team during the academic year without risking their eligibility in softball. The Women’s Sports Foundation was instrumental in pushing for this new rule that will pave the way for girls of all ages to play baseball.
Preventing girls from playing certain sports is nothing new, especially in football. One athlete faced this challenge when the head of the football league said she could not play on a team that already accepted and respected her “because she is a girl.” This article summarizes one athlete’s struggle to understand the discrimination against her. It shows her mother’s struggle to help her daughter understand she should be able to do everything the boys can and to stand up for herself. This story represents one of the many interesting stories the Foundation receives.
Does Title IX require that women be permitted to play baseball? Can women compete with and against men in baseball? The Foundation answers these common questions concerning women's softball and baseball participation.
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