GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT

What's inside this issue...

Girls will be Girls...

"Boys will be boys, girls will be girls" We've all heard this saying before, many of us have even used it, consciously or not. But what does it really mean and what are the implications for our children?

This seemingly innocent saying is usually used to explain socially constructed behaviour of boys and girls. When we see a group of boys playing ball games on a field, rolling on the ground and getting all dirty, we don't discipline them to stay clean instead we chalk it up to "natural" behaviour. Similarly if girls choose to sit on the edge of a field and watch the boys play instead of playing themselves, we often attribute this to "natural" behaviour as well. And if a girl breaks away from this pack on the sidelines and joins in with the boys, well, she does not fit the "norm" and therefore warrants her own label as a "tomboy".

Why do we do this? Why do we treat girls and boys differently, especially when it comes to their playing and recreation habits? If a boy takes to sports quickly and easily, it is usually because he is "such a boy". And if a girl needs a bit more practice to catch on to a sport, it is assumed she is naturally inferior to boys, and unless someone takes an interest in her and teaches her the skills necessary to keep up to her peers, she will probably lose interest in the sport very quickly.

A recent study was published by the Melpomene Institute, an organization dedicated to Women's Health and Physical Activity research based in Minnesota, that examined girls and boys choices of equipment and activities on the playground.

Some of the greatest differences between boys' and girls' activities were observed on the blacktop and in open space areas. The majority of boys were observed in these areas playing ball games. No all-girl ball games were observed at any site, and very few girls were seen playing ball with the boys. In the few instances when girls were observed playing ball with boys, a female teacher was involved in the game. Additionally, when girls were on the blacktop or in an open space, they were frequently in the company of a teacher.

Because they were choosing different activities on the playground, the boys in this study were developing different physical skills than girls. By playing ball games on the blacktop and open space areas, boys were developing such basic skills as throwing, catching, kicking and hitting. In contrast, the girls, because they were choosing more often to play on the swings or sit in retreat space, were not developing those same physical skills. The few girls who were observed playing in open spaces or on the blacktop were also engaged in these basic skill activities.

So is this playground behaviour learned or is it an example of "natural" gender differences between girls and boys? Are the girls choosing not to play ball games with the boys because "they tease them" or make fun of them or because they really don't like playing ball games? When asked for their preference of play partners, 68% of girls preferred to play with both boys and girls citing reasons like it's more fair to include both or because when they play with both, they had opportunities that were not available to them when they played only with girls.

To encourage girls to use the blacktops and open spaces, schools can designate "girls only" time in these areas, instructors can facilitate co-ed or girls-only games, and offer instruction to ensure that girls have the basic throwing, catching, and kicking skills needed to participate in these games.

Maybe one day, "girls will be girls" will refer to athletic girls who are too busy with physical activity to worry about much else. But until that day, we have to keep changing the way we treat boys and girls to help them understand that girls and boys can both be good at sports and that both belong on all areas of the playgrounds.

Visit Melpomene on the web at www.melpomene.org or call them at (612) 642-1951. Copies of the research article mentioned can be obtained from the Promotion Plus office.

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Promotion Plus Update

Contact Us - Toll Free

Promotion Plus has a new toll free number! You can reach us from anywhere in BC by calling:

1 - 877 - 55 - PROMO (77-666).

So, if you have any questions, want some information, or want to order some resources - we are just a phone call away!

WISRAN Update

It is once again time for the Women In Sport and Recreation Administration Network Breakfast Meetings. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month (except December) from September to May. The line up of speakers for the fall include: Dr. Barb Arneil "Power Relations in Sport"; Dr. Nadine Caron "Women & Medicine", and Lesley Dyck "Low Income Women and Physical Activity". The first WISRAN will be held on September 30th, 1998 at the BC Sport & Recreation Administration Centre in room 106. For details of this fall's speakers, locations, dates, and times see pg 7.

Speakers Bureau will Help You Conquer Your Public Speaking Fears!

Promotion Plus will be hosting another Speakers Bureau program this fall, for women wanting to brush up on their public speaking skills and gain more confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Cheryl Smith is our facilitator, and as always, will bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the program. Varying levels of skills and experience can be accommodated and all participants will practice their skills with spontaneous exercises and rehearsed speeches.

The course will take place on four consecutive Thursday evenings from October 22, 1998 to November 13, 1998 at the BC Sport and Recreation Administrative Building. For times, cost and more details see pg.7. or call the Promotion Plus office for more information.

We Need Your Help!

Promotion Plus nee ds your help to ensure that girls and women in physical activity and sport have equal opportunities and resources! With the need for our services increasing, Promotion Plus relies more and more on volunteers to help us reach our vision. If you would like to gain experience or assist with event planning, administration, project management, or website upkeep please call our office at (604) 737-3075.

Quote of Note

"Involvement in sport and physical activity contributes to the physical movement capacities of girls, the health status of their bodies, the values and ethical behaviours they develop and their personal, unique identity. Physical activity must be an integral part of everyday life, not an 'add-on!'"

Dr. Linda K. Bunker, Curry School of Education

Correction

If you took our advice and tried to access the Australian Sports Commission's Women and Sport Unit's website, you probably noticed that the address was not correct. The correct address is www.ausport.gov.au/partic/wshome.html This page will give you access to papers, resources, other contacts, as well as facts and stats on women and sport!

Our apologies to Indy Batth for not mentioning that her paper Indo-Canadian Girls' Sport and Physical Activity Experiences in Private and Public Schools was her Master's thesis.

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New Harassment Initiatives

The Harassment and Abuse In Sport Collective, which represents over 40 National Sport Organizations and

Governments, with leadership from the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), the Canadian Centre For Ethics and Sport, and Sport Canda, has developed a new guide and website for sport clubs and associations to confront and prevent harassment and abuse.

The guide, "Speak Out!....Act Now!", provides detailed direction and guidance for sport organizations and clubs to prevent and respond to harassment and abuse. The guide contains:

Speak Out!....Act Now! is available free to the general public through the new website at www.harassmentinsport.com or call CAAWS at (613) 748-5793 or Sport BC at (604) 737-3026.

The Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD) has developed a new resource:

Positive Environments: How to Eliminate Harassment and Abuse from Happening in Your School.

This guide was designed to increase awareness of the issue of abuse and harassment in society, particularly in school physical education settings. This guide defines the issues, recommends strategies for prevention and intervention, identifies the implications to physical educators and school coaches, and outlines the appropriate steps for the development of harassment and abuse policies.

Promotion Plus has some copies of this resource in our office - call to order your copy.

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Question

What is harassment? What are possible signs of harassment?

& Answer

Harassment is a behaviour, by one person towards another, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. It creates negative and uncomfortable feelings for the person, or group of persons, to whom it is directed. Such a person may feel anything from discomfort or embarrassment in the presence of the person or group of people displaying the behaviour, to a feeling of terror or even fear for their safety.

Harassment can take many forms whether physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional, and most often involves a combination of these elements. One of the defining characteristics of harassment is that it usually takes place where one person is in a position of power over another, or has the trust of another, and then abuses the relationship.

The following sudden behaviour changes can be a sign that a individual is being harassed: suddenly becoming aggressive, quitting the team or being reluctant to return to the sport activity, sleep disorders, emotional disorders, sliding grades at school, changes in appetite, fear of washrooms, locker rooms, or closed doors, running away.

taken from What Parents Can Do About Harassment And Abuse in Sport
Spotlight on Sport

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Spotlight on Sport

Ice hockey has been gaining popularity with girls and women of all ages over the past decade. With the addition of Women's Hockey to the 1998 Winter Olympics, women's hockey teams and leagues all over Canada have come to the forefront of media attention. The team members of the 1998 Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey Team have inspired many young girls to dream of one day becoming an Olympic hockey player. Through their hard work, determination and courage they have become role models for women, young and old, and shown everyone that dreams can come true.

Promotion Plus recently hosted Shannon Miller, Danielle Goyette, and Stacy Wilson for a Special Hockey Night in Vancouver. Shannon, Danielle, and Stacy shared their experiences growing up playing hockey and the challenges they overcame to give girls and women's hockey teams legitimacy. They shared their struggle with the perception that women's hockey could not be successful. Their experiences were both heartbreaking and inspiring. These women gave up their jobs and careers to play hockey and were successful in proving that women play a game of hockey that is physical, competitive and exciting. Amid all the criticism and politics being played out in the media, the team stayed focused on their goal and achieved a silver medal standing at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Although the Canadian Hocke y Association no longer supports a full time coach for women's hockey or a women's hockey coordinator, women's hockey is growing by leaps and bounds. Members of the Olympic team and other hockey enthusiasts are setting up various clinics, camps and schools to encourage girls and women to become involved in hockey. Centre Ice Female Hockey School (CIFHS) is one among many that is designed to provide excellent instruction while maintaining a fun and challenging learning environment. To contact CIFHS call 1-800-665-2669.

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New Magazine for Women's Ice & Roller Hockey

Hip Check is your information source covering girls and women's hockey across Canada and the United States. Contents include ice and roller hockey news, features, lively debates of hot issues, player profiles, tournaments reports, equipment reviews, skills tips and lots more.

One year subscription is $15. To order your copy contact HipCheck at 679 Queens Quay West Toronto, ON M5V 3A9.

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Research Review

An Analysis of Gender Equity in Programming and Facility Scheduling in City of Vancouver Public Ice Rinks

written by Jennifer Swan, June 1998

The purpose behind this research was to determine the extent to which gender equity exists in the programming for the City of Vancouver's public ice rinks. Specifically, the 1997 ice season is examined. The indicators used were participation rates of males and females and the amount of total time and primetime allocated to the various user groups. Data was obtained from seven of the eight Vancouver public ice rinks. Questions asked inquired about male and female participation rates in the various ice rink programs, time allocation (including primetime) differences between groups which consist primarily of male participants and groups which consist primarily of female participants, and how rink scheduling priorities are determined.

Among the findings, it was revealed that while girls and women comprised almost 50% of the total number of participants during the 1997 "ice" season, total time allocated to user groups consisting primarily of female participants was significantly less than that allocated to user groups consisting primarily of male participants (approximately 24% compared to 47%). In terms of primetime, programs with predominantly boys and men as participants were allotted 53% of all scheduled primetime hours, while female-dominated programs received only 24.4% of total primetime hours. The remaining 22.6% was allotted to co-ed recreational groups. These statistics will provide a benchmark for the City of Vancouver to determine the success of projects aimed at increasing the participation of girls and women, which they are conducting at various centres this fall.

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1997 Physical Activity Benchmarks Highlights Report.

published the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute in partnership with Fitness/Active Living Unit, Health Canada, and the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council, October 1997.

In partnership with the federal-provincial/territorial ministries responsible for fitness, active living, recreation, and sport; the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute launched a benchmark program to measure the impact of action taken to increase physical activity levels.

The benchmark indicators do not measure government output, but rather the outcomes of joint actions, the change in physical activity levels and changes in indicators of well-being associated with participation in physical activity. Moreover, given the focus on outcomes, the benchmarks serve as a tool for the entire active living community in assessing the results of their activities.

The benchmark indicators provide information to track change, measuring whether the physical-activity-related aspects of the quality of life of Canadians is improving, deteriorating, or staying the same. They also provide information to guide the development of strategies to increase physical activity levels. Through recognition of effective initiatives for increasing participation, program developers, administrators, and teachers can better design classes and programs.

This report is the first in a series of annual Benchmark Reports on Physical Activity. The benchmark indicators were developed based on the needs of federal, provincial and territorial governments with input from the active living community.

Copies of these research articles can be purchased from Promotion Plus.

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Population Health Advisory Committee - Women

The Population Health Advisory Committee for Women has been established to assist and advise the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board as it sets policies for the delivery of health services, from the perspective of women, so that health services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of women.

This is a pro-active organization which needs your help to increase the understanding of women's health in the context of women's lives in the region. The committee is actively looking for members and volunteers.

For more information on the committee and their mission or to volunteer call (604) 775-1866.

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Women in Action

Congratulations to the following women who received the 1998 Stacey Levitt Scholarship

Jennifer Fenton has been appointed the BC representative for the Gender Equity School Iniatives Committee (GESI) of the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Shannon Samler, a student at Simon Fraser University, achieved fourth place at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in Hamburg, Germany.

A new study conducted by the Chicago-based Leo Burnett advertising agency reveals a significant shift in American women's beauty image, moving from the narrow "Barbie" and supermodel ideal to a more inclusive beauty aspiration that embraces wellness, diversity, and a healthy self-esteem at any dress size. According to agency executives who directed the nationwide study, increased sports participation is partly responsible for the attitude adjustment. "In the '70s, only one in 27 girls participated in athletics. Today, that ratio is one in three. The greater access to sports has sanctioned the importance of athletic beauty among women," said Denise Fedewa, agency vice president and a member of the team that planned the study entitled Bone Deep: What Beauty is now and What it Means To Your Business. The Wellness Movement of the late '80s and '90s has also been credited for making "healthy beauty" an aspiration.

Although the traditional view of 'beauty" has become more inclusive, what is "beautiful" is still assessed on standards set by popular culture, In many societies, physical attractiveness is defined to a significant extent by the shape and size of the body, however the specifications vary. Many cultures consider a strong and larger physique attractive for both sexes as it epitomizes health, status, and wealth. However, in other societies, such as North America, the current prevailing beauty ideal is a slender physique. With all these different perceptions of what is "pretty", women need to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what makes them feel confident and healthy is what makes them attractive.

WISRAN

Breakfast Meeting Schedule

Join us for the start of the new season. WISRAN (Women in Sport and Recreation Administration Network) breakfast meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month. The line up for this fall is:

September 30th - "Power Relations in Sport", Dr. Barbara Arneil at 1367 West Broadway, room 106.

October 28th - "Women & Medicine", Dr. Nadine Caron at the BC Center of Excellence for Women's Health, room E311 4500 Oak Street.

November 25th - "Physical Activity and Low Income Women", Lesley Dyck at Harbour Cruises, north foot of Denman Street.

Speakers Bureau

facilitated by Cheryl Smith

This program will assist you to brush up on your skills or gain new skills in public speaking. A safe and supportive environment will assist you in increasing confidence in public speaking.

Date: Thursday, October 22 & 29

November 5 & 12

Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Place: BC Sport & Recreation Administrative Centre, 1367 West Broadway (Rm 106 & 200).

Cost: $75

Call Promotion Plus at 737-3075 for more information and registration.

September is Big Sisters Month

Health Work & Wellness Conference '98 - September 27th - 30th, call June Baker at (604) 875-5699 for more information

Women's History Month - October is women's history month. CAAWS has produced a Women in Sport poster available for $5 - call Promotion Plus.

QDPE Conference - professional development day for PE teachers. Call Douglas College at 527-5041.

Recreation Rendezvous 1998 - November 5th, call the BCRPA Office at (604) 273-8055.

National Child Day - November 20, for Information or material call Health Canada at (604) 666-2729

The following resources may be ordered from Promotion Plus by calling (604) 737-3075.

On The Move: A Handbook - designed to encourage non-active teenage girls and women to participate in fun-filled, supportive, recreational physical activities. Handbooks are $10.

Promotion Plus Resource Kits

Kits of information on a variety of issues affecting girls and women in physical activity and sport.

Cost is $3 each.

Poster of Lynn Hill, World-Class Climber. Cost is $3.

Too Many Men on the Ice: Women's Hockey in North America by Joanna Avery & Julie Stevens- a new book which uncovers the rich history and relates it to the remarkable resurgence of women's hockey in Canada & the US. Order your copy for $21.35 (incl. gst).

Positive Environments: How to Eliminate Harassment and Abuse from Happening in Your School, a new guide designed by CAHPERD which defines the issues, recommends srategies for prevention, and intervention, identifies the implications to physical educators and school coaches, and outlines the appropiate steps for the development of harassment and abuse policies.

Times Two: A Prenatal Guide for Active Women, by Ruth Hanton. This booklet will answer your questions about the types of exercises and the intensities that are beneficial for you during the various stages of your pregnancy.

Applicable mailing fee will be added to all orders:

$3 for 1 - 5 items

$5 for 6 or more items.

Promotion Plus has a large and & diverse resource library containing material that can be purchased or borrowed. For a complete list of items please call us at (604) 737-3075 or toll free in BC at 1-877-55 PROMO.

Editor/Writer: Perveen Deol Administrative Coordinator

Editor in Chief: Tammy Lawrence

Executive Director

Publisher: Promotion Plus

Please contact us with any questions, comments or for more information at:

#305 - 1367 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9

Phone: ((604) 737-3075

toll free: 1-877-55-PROMO

Fax: (604) 738-7175

email: promotion.plus@telus.net

visit our website at: www.virtualplanet.com/promo_plus