Girls Given OK to Join Boys’ Teams

The state Assembly recently passed a bill that would let girls in public schools try out for boys’ athletic teams, but not vice versa.

“As we currently stand, a girl does not have an equal opportunity to compete in sports,” said Assemblyman Xavier Bacerra (D-Monterey Park).

Bacerra’s bill would allow girls to compete based on athletic skill for a place on a boys’ team, even if the school has a girls’ team in the same sport.

However, boys would not be allowed to try out for girls’ teams.

Under the bill, if a school had only one team in a sport, both male and female pupils would be permitted to try out.

The bill was sent to the state Senate on a 41-28 vote, a bare majority of the 80-member Assembly.

The bill, if it passes the Senate and Gov. Pete Wilson signs it, would take effect July 1, 1993. Under its provisions, schools with teams for only boys or girls would have to offer a team for the other sex in the same sport if there were enough interest. School districts would be prohibited from competing in leagues that discriminate on the basis of sex.

Supporters of the bill say that boys’ athletics traditionally have received far more money and opportunities than have girls’ sports programs. They argue that denying girls a chance to play on better-financed boys’ teams denies them access to sports equipment, facilities and college scholarships.

“This is America,” said Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (D-Union City). “In America, we speak to equality of opportunity.”

But opponents argue that the bill could hurt girls’ school sports.

“If a woman can compete on a men’s team, why have a women’s team?” asked Assemblyman Nolan Frizzelle (R-Fountain Valley).

Other critics say the measure would be unfair to boys who might lose places on teams to girls.

“Somebody has got to take care of . . . the wimpy little guys that can’t compete on the boys’ teams,” said Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson).

“If we’re going to stand up and say equal access for everyone, male, female or other, then by golly, the door has to swing both ways,” Floyd said. “This is absolutely ridiculous.”

Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland (R-Granada Hills) said the bill could drain the best talent from the girls’ teams. “I’m concerned about this bill because of women’s rights,” she said.

But Bacerra says girls should have the choice. “Let them decide for themselves about what level they wish to compete.”

The bill is sponsored by the Southern California Women’s Law Center.

“Try to hate your opponent. Even if you are playing your grandmother, try to beat her 50-0. If she already has 3, try to beat her 50-3.”

--Danny McGoorty (1901-1969), billiard player