STRATEGIES FOR EQUAL

GENDER PARTICIPATION

Social norms formed about sport and physical activity are the result of a complex interaction of sociological factors.

Social norms are a form of behavior that is usually accepted as correct and ‘proper’ by the majority of members of the society (Amezdroz et al, 2010, p. 478)

Attitudes formed about sport and physical activity are the result of a complex interaction of sociological factors.

To change these social norms towards touch, two strategies will promote and

encourage equal gender participation.

Target school aged children to change the attitudes

towards girls playing touch

Use media to positively influence female

participation in touch

Schools

Schools

Teachers play a particular role as socializing agents as they exert influence over our behavior

(Amezdroz et al, 2010, p.484)

Therefore, institutions such as schools have a significant role to play in shaping the

socialization of individuals in exercise, sport and physical activity

(Amezdroz et al, 2010, p.484)

What would you do ?

Promotion of females playing touch at schools would influence girls to play and, eventually, establish this as the ‘norm’ within society.

Recognise females playing touch

Create awards for girls such as Best and Fairest, Spirit and Age Champion to be handed out at assemblies

Include pictures in school yearbooks and details of sporting achievements in

school newsletters.

Promotion of females playing touch at schools would influence girls to play and, eventually, establish this as the ‘norm’ within society.

Girls actively playing touch

Organize touch games during lunches with female staff

participating to provide effective role models for

students.

Establish mixed touch teams to

play other schools.

Promotion of females playing touch at schools would influence girls to play and, eventually, establish this as the ‘norm’ within society.

Expose girls to touch

Educate and train girls during lunch

breaks, PE lessons, after

school sessions, special sessions during school

Use female only trainers as role

models. They can relate and be less

intimidating.

In some cases barriers to participation in sport and physical activity can be removed

by modifying activities. (Amezdroz, 2004, p.472)

What would you do ?

Modify the rules to allow equal

participation in mixed gender games

Girls being dummy half

Girls to be tagged 2 handed by boys

Female try = 2 points