How to Ensure Equal Treatment Among Boy and Girl Soccer Players

More than 40 percent of youth soccer players are girls. It is important to treat them the same as the boys.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Apparel
• Soccer Cleats
• Soccer Shin Guards
• Soccer Videos
• soccer balls

1. Insist on equality. Girls should not be considered "girl soccer players" but just "soccer players."

2. Watch the coaching. Coaches should be as appropriately tough and demanding on girl players as they are on boys.

3. Watch the refereeing. Some referees work girls' games differently than boys' - anything from taking more breaks for infractions to stopping at quarters when they don't for boys. Speak to your coach or your league if you notice inconsistencies in officiating.

4. Watch boys' games to get an idea of how male players are treated.

5. Encourage equality by countering the behavior of other parents. If they gasp and groan at something physical in a girls' game, counter with "good hustle" or "nice tackle."

Tips & Warnings

• Use praise. From the earliest age, point out when girls have displayed positive competitive behavior.
• Put boys and girls together. Having them play together encourages equal treatment and mutual respect.
• Let your coach know your goals and expectations for your daughter. Tell the coach that your daughter is prepared to play in the same conditions as boys do.

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