The development of the American system of school athletics from the time of the Puritans to the present day is discussed, and the social ramifications of our contemporary sports culture are considered. (LH)

The article looks at the 1979 physical development program for cadets at West Point's U.S. Military Academy, noting adjustments made to the physical education program for women and comparing physical abilities of female cadets in 1979 and 1989. Standards are adjusted as fitness test scores improve. (SM)

The assumption is that women coaches are less qualified, less willing to travel and recruit, less likely to apply for positions, and more likely to be concerned with time constraints due to family responsibilities. Such gender-role stereotypic beliefs are myths rather than facts. (JD)

Study examined job satisfaction among male and female college coaches of women's teams. Coaches completed the Job Description Index and the Job in General Index to measure their job satisfaction and general feelings toward their jobs. Results indicated that both sexes had similar perceptions toward their jobs. (SM)

Clinical experience and recent research challenge the current standards of exercise duration and intensity for pregnant women. By carefully assessing patients' self-monitoring techniques, physicians can work with active women to create safe exercise programs during pregnancy. Safety guidelines for developing home exercise programs are included.…

Differences between male and female coaches of female high school basketball teams in five areas of coaching philosophy were examined. The coaches shared a similar philosophy on most issues, regardless of gender. Female coaches were somewhat more conventional than male coaches of female teams. (JD)

Describes a study of weight control techniques and bulimic tendencies among elite female participants in an Olympic Swimming Selection Meet. Results showed concern with thinness, body dissatisfaction, and unhealthy eating, dieting, and weight loss patterns among participants. Discusses the explanatory power of the PRECEDE model. (SM)

Coaches and players were assisted in modifying select rules of a girls' fast-pitch softball league so as to accommodate the skill limitations of a player with moderate to severe disabilities. The girl's batting average and on-base average indicated that modifications were effective. The player was well received by her teammates and other teams.…

Investigated how gender-consistent and -inconsistent portrayals of athletes would affect people's perceptions. College students read fictitious newspaper articles that focused on either a male or female Olympic athlete's physical attractiveness or athleticism. Respondents had neither favorable impressions of nor liked articles about female and…

Analyzes data from the 1995-96 academic year for schools that compete at the Division I level of college athletics to determine the influence of the presence and profitability of football on female athletes in terms of funding and opportunity. Reveals that presence and profitability, as well as regional and ethnic considerations, influence…

Embodiment has become an important construct for those in disciplines and specialty areas concerned with the form and function of the human body. This article suggests that accounts of embodiment have collapsed into an exclusionary framework that locates culture and cognition on oppositional terms. For some scholars, embodiment represents the…

Using social identity perspective, the authors investigated the experiences of 13 lesbian college coaches. Through semistructured interviews, the coaches revealed the daily identity tensions they experienced. There was constant negotiation between their social identities of "coach" and "lesbian." The social context of intercollegiate women's…

Despite the widespread belief that women have achieved power in college athletics, in reality, women are noticeably absent from positions of authority. Faculty should enter the dialogue, through governance, and take more responsibility for athletic programs on campus. (MSE)

Older women who participate in physical activity programs find physical benefits in the improvement of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The psychosocial benefits which result from physical activity include an increase in self-esteem, increased social contacts, a counteraction to depression, and improved stress management. Suggestions…

The early history of physical education for women in the northeastern section of the United States is presented. Short biographies of notable contributors, both men and women, to the expansion of physical education programs, first in womens colleges, and later in coeducational institutions, are presented. (JN)