National Men Research Articles

Women's Struggle for Governance in U.S. Amateur Athletics

There has been a long struggle for governance in U.S. amateur women's athletics. During 1920-1940 two women's sport organizations attempted to control female athletics in conflict with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Women did achieve authority over educational athletics, but not public sports. Through 1960-1980 a women's governance association (AIAW) controlled women's collegiate athletics. However, after a decade, the men's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) took control of AIAW. Individual governing bodies also govern men's and women's Olympic sports. The NAGWS lost authority in educational athletics. Women lost decision-making roles, and now have only limited access to governance in U.S. amateur athletics.

A Nation of Men... and Laws

A Nation of Men... and Laws