How to Decide if a Girl Should Play on a Boys' Soccer Team

Mixing the sexes on sports teams is a much debated question, and there are valid arguments on both sides - and plenty of controversy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask if there is a choice. Some towns have inadequate or insufficient teams for girls, in which case girls must, by law, be allowed to join boys' teams.

2. Consider all the pros and cons. It isn't just a matter of physical and athletic ability. Sometimes boys intimidate the girls.

3. Speak to your daughter's current coach.

4. Be honest in evaluating your daughter's skill level. If it is more advanced, does she belong on a boys' team?

5. Measure both her physical and emotional readiness.

6. Seek evaluation by someone else to get an independent judgment.

7. Evaluate carefully the prospective boys' team and program. Ask yourself if it will provide your daughter with what she needs, such as a faster and more physical game.

8. Stay closely involved. Observe practices, games and coaches.

9. Make sure proper and age-appropriate skills are taught.

10. Ensure that coaches provide emotional and physical protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat boys and girls equally. Whether you are the parent of either, parents should ensure that their attitude comes across loud and clear: Girls and boys should be treated equally.
• Work within your system. Take steps to make sure boys and girls receive fair and equal treatment on your team or within your town or league.
• Continue to do your homework. No matter what you choose for your daughter, be on the lookout for appropriate girls' teams, even if it means going outside your current area. These teams are worth considering, even if only for the future.

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on 3/12/2006 As a girl who has been playing soccer all her life, I would like to put in, that girl's soccer is more aggressive than boys soccer. Boys soccer focuses more on skill levels (e.g ability to juggle). Girls soccer is more violent. I would recommend girls to only play on girls teams because, they know how to react to the situation. Girls should go on soccer camps, training camps with boys, but should not, unless there is no other way, play on a boys team.

on 11/22/2005 Co-Ed soccer teams are very good for both genders. Girls play differently than boys, and boys play differently from girls. It teaches players different skills and equality.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure your daughter is ready for more aggressive play in a boy's league, especially in the more advanced levels. The boys play more physical soccer and there are usually more injuries, so make sure your daughter is ready for the physical play.