We believe that sound research is a cornerstone to building equitable public policy. Here we present critical research in a variety of areas related to girls' and women's sports and physical activity. Many of the studies presented in this area were funded and produced by the Women's Sports Foundation. However, we are willing to present externally-generated relevant research in an effort to provide the community with the most important information about the effects of sports in the lives of females.
If you'd like to see your research appear here, please send an e-mail to
Education@WomensSportsFoundation.org. Please attach a synopsis of your research and a copy of your resume.
Featured Research Report
Who's Playing College Sports?
June 23, 2007, marked the 35th anniversary of Title IX -- the pivotal legislation credited with increasing gender equity in sports. In addition to celebrating, the Women's Sports Foundation has unveiled a critical body of research. This study provides the most accurate and comprehensive examination of participation trends to date. Read more about the study or browse our online database to find out participation numbers for all the major colleges and universities in the United States.
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Relevant Research
Her Life Depends on It This report is a comprehensive compendium of research that points to physical activity and sport as fundamental solutions for many of the serious health and social problems faced by American girls. An appreciable mass of evidence-based knowledge about girls’ involvement with sport and physical activity has been generated during the last decade. Researchers have verified links between high school athletic participation and teen pregnancy prevention, although more longitudinal research is needed to thoroughly confirm the connections. Overall, however, this report shows that the current state of knowledge on the relationship of physical activity to the health and social needs of American girls warrants the serious attention of public health officials, educators and sport leaders.
Title IX Athletics Policies: Issues and Data for Education Decision Makers
The Women's Sports Foundation was instrumental in working with the Coalition for Women and Girls in Education in developing a comprehensive report on the Title IX athletics policies. This report specifically addresses the questions being considered by a newly appointed federal Commission on Opportunity in Athletics that is seeking to weaken Title IX. It's the best Title IX athletics resource currently available with the Executive Summary clearly stating the issues and positions of all the leading national organizations that are experts on educational opportunities for girls and women and the Full Report containing the latest data on participation, finances and issues.