Bowlers Journal International - January 2008 - (Page 24) THETRUTHBEBOWLED BY DIANDRA ASBATY WILL NCAA'S MOMENTUM WITHER? If Title IX is not being taken seriously enough, could it jeopardize the future of women's collegiate bowling? IT'S UNDENIABLE. WOMEN’S COLLEGIATE BOWLING IS enjoying "The Big Mo." It has that momentum because NCAA athletic directors are finally adopting women’s bowling as a full-fledged sport, giving it the opportunity of a lifetime. However, is there reason to believe the forecast of women’s NCAA bowling is not as sunny as many hope? A little background is in order. In 1994, women's bowling was named an emerging sport by the NCAA. This meant that athletic departments could decide to add women's bowling to their schools’ sports lineup, which they started to do in 1997. The University of Nebraska was one of the first NCAA schools to offer it as a sport. In order for the NCAA to give women's bowling their own National Championship, 40 schools needed to be on board. This happened in 2003. The benefits of being an NCAA sport were immediately evident. Full-ride scholarships were offered to young ladies. Ultimately, women bowlers at major universities were given the benefits other “super sports” were given, like sponsorships, tutors and top-notch training facilities. A win-win for young, female bowlers, and for our sport. Now, just as everything is looking up, we learn that many major universities may not be complying with Title IX. At least, that's what we heard from Bill Straub, bowling coach at the University of Nebraska. "There is a major compliance issue," he said. "Schools are to spend an equal amount of dollars on women's sports as they do on their men's sports. This isn't happening at all NCAA institutions." Another compliance issue deals with participation. Title IX mandates that participation levels be proportionately equal for athletes of both genders. Straub says that is not the case at all NCAA universities. Why not? One reason may be that no one is holding them accountable. There have not been any lawsuits or challenges that would force these universities to hold up their end of Title IX, which was established in 1972 in order to give more opportunities to women in sports. It's a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination at any educational institution that receives federal funding. The emergence of NCAA in the world of bowling is unquestionably a great step forward for our sport. It allows us to change the image of bowling and help it gain respect by acknowledging it as a true sport. For bowling's sake, let's hope that athletic directors start taking Title IX more seriously. 24 bowlers journal international JANUARY 2008 http://rotogrip.com http://rotogrip.com
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