Gender The Differences that exist between males and females and how these differences can affect participation levels and type.

Male and Female Sport Compared How many sports is there direct competition? Troy Cooke give us your findings on Football World Cup differences male and female. Is this financial disparity fair? Are there other factors involved?

Physical differences Marathon times Mens Haile Gebrelassie 2:03:59 Womens Paula Radcliffe 2:15:25 Which is the better record? Body shape, size and physique are different. Women tend to be smaller with a flatter, broader pelvis, smaller lungs and heart. Higher fat %, 25% compared to 15% young men. Also affected by diet which effects metabolic rate. Smaller heart and lungs = lower oxygen carrying capacity (difference up to 43%).

Strength/Flexibility Practical Strength and power in tests can be up to 40-50% as women have less total muscle mass. Less muscle can mean greater flexibility for women. Different maturity rates. Up to 11 yrs everything tends to be equal allowing mixed and fair competition. Then boys tend to overtake in height and strength. Sport now becomes single sex. Females menstruate and suffer hormonal imbalances which can affect performance.

Is it all doom and gloom? Are there advantages for women? Less weight Greater flexibility Are disadvantaged in sports dependant on strength and power. Should men and women be judged by the same criteria? Return to original record. Why is women’s sport not equal to men’s?

Perceived differences/Discrimination Women are seen as the “weaker sex” so given less opportunities. In Olympics only allowed to run in 800m from 1960, 1,500m in 1972, 10,000m in 1988. Is it changing? Well now equal pay in Tennis, women’s football is fastest growing sport. Football officials, managers. Religion can also forbid women as required to remain covered up.