Meta Description: Girls can play on an equal footing with boys in sports but is it a good idea to have them play on the boys’ sports team?
Introduction
Enrolling students in sports is one of the best ways to ensure their overall physical development and pick up on essential values. Boys are often seen as more inclined towards sports in comparison to girls. But when we see constant discussions around gender equality, girls should not just be encouraged into sports but also be allowed to play on the boys’ sports team. Everyone will have differing views, so we see the pros and cons of having girls play on the boys’ team.
Pros
Promotes friendship
Instead of being intimidated, playing together fosters a friendship among girls and boys. It is beneficial if girls and boys get along as friends or teammates as it will develop comfort for their future interactions with the opposite sex.
Understand Individual Strengths and Weakness
When playing together on a boys’ sports team, girls and boys learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Both genders are biologically different; while boys may be able to run faster, girls could be better at concentration and focus. Discovering these strengths and weaknesses of either gender, they can improvise on what they lack.
Serves as Encouragement
When playing in a team together, if boys are seen outperforming the girls, the girls can take it in stride to improve their game. Girls are not less than boys, but they need to be trained well to do better. Instead of pitting them as girls vs boys, both genders should seek encouragement from each other on how to do better.
Teaches Respect
Sports facilitate a lesson on value education. Girls playing on boys’ sports team gives a scope to inculcate respect, teach kindness, and deal with aggression. It is beneficial to deal with the opposite gender outside of the sports field. Boys can be taught how to respect girls instead of looking down on them as weaker.
Cons
Much as there are these pros, one cannot simply negate the cons of girls and boys playing on the same team:
Different Capabilities
Both genders are different. Males grow stronger and taller in comparison to females. While some girls will also develop strength, not all of them can be on par with boys. Despite having a strong team, the limitation of some members can affect the overall performance.
Individual Comfort
Not all boys would be comfortable playing with the girls or vice versa. The choice of playing in a team together should be given to both genders. Girls can feel underestimated and eventually lose confidence when playing in a boys’ team.
Risk of Injuries
Boys have aggressive gameplay, so when paired with the girls, it increases the risk of injuries for the girls. The way both genders handle sprain or bruises is also different. Besides, the wound healing process is faster for males. Playing a game that requires too much physical contact is risky of injuries for the girls. So, from a safety perspective, it is wise not to allow girls to play on the boys’ team.
Final Thoughts
The contradicting views depend on several factors – some of which are backed by biological science. Our bodies are made different, and while we can overcome these differences with effective training, girls have to train harder to achieve the same levels. We have numerous examples of girls or female sportspeople being just as strong and competitive as their male counterparts. We strive for equality, but when it comes to them playing together, it should be based on the complete comfort and preference of every sports team member.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which are the best sports for girls?
Basketball, volleyball, softball, swimming, tennis, and badminton are among the best sports for girls. Some other sports that girls also play are netball, golf, field hockey, and soccer.
- What is it called when girls and boys play a sport together?
When girls and boys play a sport together, it is called mixed-sex or co-ed sports.
- What are some examples of co-ed sports?
Dodgeball, outdoor soccer, outdoor football, softball, and relay are some of the sports for co-ed athletes.
- Which are the most popular sports among high school boys and girls?
According to survey trends, football and basketball are the most popular sport for boys and girls. Volleyball, soccer, cross country and track and field are the other high school sports popular in the US.
- How to encourage more female participation in sports?
Girls can be encouraged into sports by showing them the change they can bring in the larger sphere of sports. Teach them what they can do, encourage their success, provide adequate training, and appreciate every small win.
