Athletes & Disabilities - Week 7

In class when we were first asked to write down names of athletes whom we knew with disabilities, I drew a very large blank. The only thing I could think of were the Special Olympics/Paralympics and I began to rack my brain to try and recall a name. Nothing came. Finally I thought of one person, than another, and before I knew it, I had a little list going. I guess the reason I was drawing a blank at first is because athletes and disabilities are generally two terms that I don't associate together very often. After taking the time to think about it, however, I knew a kid in my high school that was legally blind and terribly awful at sports. That was okay though, because he just loved playing him. His name was Chad but I can't remember his real last name because we always called him Chad Pennington because he loved football so much. Anyways, the coaches allowed him to play on the JV team with very little playing team, seeing how it would b dangerous to him. Another example is a friend of mine from a different school that was exactly the opposite of Chad. He had no left hand, it was just a limb, but he was the best wrestler at his school. I'm not sure of his exact accomplishments, but his name was Tony and he won several tournaments. I think knowing people like Chad and Tony have helped me realize that disability definitely doesn't mean immobility. Despite their differences in athletic talent, neither of them let their disabilities prevent them from doing exactly what they desire.
Finally, I recalled a movie I watched in another class entitled "Murderball." It's a very intense game where many quadriplegics participate in wheelchair rugby. After watching that film, I had an entirely different perspective of individuals in wheelchairs. They are not weak and most certainly not helpless. The quadriplegics who played "Murderball" were determined, strong, athletic, and inspired.

Good old Boys & Girls Club - Week 6

After reflecting on our discussions in class and reviewing "Good Old Boys and Good Old Girls Clubs: Myth or Reality?," I have come to the conclusion that it is most definitely not a myth. The decline of women coaches is a real issue that is directly related to the reality of the "Good Old Boys Club" and the lack thereof the "Good Old Girls Club." Just consider that there have been decades upon decades of male coaches and athletes in the athletic system at a high school and college level. The continued hiring of men to fill those roles is undeniable. It may not be unanimous everywhere, but the traditional pattern is clear.

It is obvious why the Good Old Girls Club does not exist. Simply because female administrators were hardly existent before the passing of Title IX. That makes it nearly impossible to establish a large weave of female administrators who are in a hiring position among high schools/colleges. Title IX may have increased opportunities for female athletes but it seemed to have the opposite effect on females coaches.

After looking at the results in class of our own high schools and 2 person structures, it is clear the Good Old Boys Club seems to exist as a highly identifiable cause. Male athletic directors were quick to offer the lack of female preparedness and shortcomings as the reason for decline of female coaches. However, that seems rather sexist to me to blame the lack of women coaches as a whole on the entire unpreparedness of all women. It would seem more appropriate to me to blame it on a lack of interest in coaching rather than insult the skill of women everywhere.