To mark the 54th anniversary of Title IX, California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is releasing seven new resources to share how Title IX and related law works to establish a level playing field for girls in sports in schools and parks and recreation.  

Sports access is critical in girls’ lives. Research shows direct linkages between sports participation and positive educational, health, employment outcomes for girls. Through sports, young people build exercise habits, confidence, leadership, and life skills supporting them well beyond the playing field. Girls in under-resourced areas especially lack opportunity and simple keys exist to ensure all can get in the game!   In 1971, less than 300,000 girls participated in high school sports nationwide, compared to 3.6 million boys. Since Title IX became law in 1972, girls’ participation in high school athletics has increased tenfold, to well over 3 million spots on school teams. 

Yet, there is more work ahead. Girls still make up only about 40% of high school athletes, continuing to have fewer opportunities to play than boys, and often face inequities in facilities, scheduling, equipment, coaching, funding, and overall support. That’s why CWLC created these resources–designed for legal aid stakeholders, families, schools, parks and recreation, and community members, to equip anyone invested in equal access to athletics with tools and take-aways to make a difference.

Click to download below: