January 14, 2008
NCAA's Division III Limits Use of Male Practice Players
Coaches in the NCAA’s Division III who are looking to use male practice players in women’s sports will now face some restrictions, although the use of such players is unlimited in Division I.
The NCAA’s Division III voted this morning to limit male players in women’s sports, narrowly passing a proposal that would restrict their use to one practice per week. The number of players that coaches can use will also now be limited to half the number of a starting squad in a sport.
Coaches who use male practice players say they do so to allow women to practice against players who are stronger and faster, and to augment a small squad when players are absent. But some athletics officials say it takes away opportunities from female players and implies that the only way to improve is to practice against men.
The proposal had strong support from Division III’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which is composed of athletes from around the country.
Division I has discussed limiting the use of such players, but has not taken definitive action on it.
Libby Sander | Posted on Monday January 14, 2008 | PermalinkComments
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Isn’t that like saying that drag queens who practice to old videos of Judy Garland are getting an unfair advantage?
— marci Jan 14, 05:28 PM #
Hurray for Div. III. Men get 58% of the participation opportunities and expense budgets and 66% of the recruiting dollars in D3—it’s time to walk the walk on Title IX.
— Marie Jan 15, 09:07 AM #
I guess being a male doesn’t allow me to make a comment on a female issue. I posted a great well written and accurate comment and it was not posted. How unprofessional for the Chronicle to pick and choose only women’s comments on this subject. This won’t be posted either is my guess.
— almost a graduate Jan 15, 10:35 AM #