We believe that sound research is a cornerstone to building equitable public policy. Here we present critical research in a variety of areas related to girls' and women's sports and physical activity. Many of the studies presented in this area were funded and produced by the Women's Sports Foundation. However, we are willing to present externally-generated relevant research in an effort to provide the community with the most important information about the effects of sports in the lives of females.
If you'd like to see your research appear here, please send an e-mail to
Education@WomensSportsFoundation.org. Please attach a synopsis of your research and a copy of your resume.
Featured Research Report
Her Life Depends On It II
Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
In December 2009 the Women’s Sports Foundation released a new and expanded comprehensive review of its essential “Her Life Depends On It” report, first released in 2004. The benchmark 2009 review draws critical conclusions that further emphasize the vital roles that sports play in the physical and social health of girls and women. The report is compiled from more than 2,000 studies examining women’s athletics and health, including hundreds of new studies conducted in the five years since the last report was released.
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Relevant Research
Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America
An exhaustive study of children’s participation in sports and exercise, this is the first to document the benefit of sports to the wellness of families.
Title IX Athletics Policies: Issues and Data for Education Decision Makers
The Women's Sports Foundation was instrumental in working with the Coalition for Women and Girls in Education in developing a comprehensive report on the Title IX athletics policies. This report specifically addresses the questions being considered by a newly appointed federal Commission on Opportunity in Athletics that is seeking to weaken Title IX. It's the best Title IX athletics resource currently available with the Executive Summary clearly stating the issues and positions of all the leading national organizations that are experts on educational opportunities for girls and women and the Full Report containing the latest data on participation, finances and issues.