Quiz the Coach - Girls Sport

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of b-ball or soccer? Got a gripe about teammates or coaches, or anything? Why not . The Kidzworld Coach can help ya work out team problems or give ya tips and advice to improve your game - all ya gotta do is ask!

Hey Coach,
I am a cheerleader and I don't get no respect. People seem to think I must be lame - like dumb and goofy and easy with da boyz. But I am smarter than lots of people - I know more about sports than the sports editor of the school paper, (I ALWAYS correct him.) And I ain't no easy chickie! How do I get the respect, coach? I don't wanna give up more cool SPORTS!
nsyncchick

Hey nsyncchick,
You'll get respect just by being who you are. If you don't act goofy and aren't easy with da boyz - people won't think you are - even if you are a cheerleader. People sometimes think cheerleaders are airheads and easy because of the way they're portrayed in movies or on TV. Cheerleading may not be a sport but it is as athletically demanding as basketball, baseball or any other sport. So you do deserve respect. You'll also get more respect by participating in athletic events other than cheerleading. People will see you're more than just some airhead chick who looks good and can wave pom-poms. Be yourself and you'll get the respect you deserve.

Hey Coach,
I hate it when people always stereotype guys and girls. Not all of us girls have fluff for brains. I am definitely not a cheerleader type. In fact, I prefer REAL sports to the "girly" sports. And I can kick any guy's butt at soccer, basketball, and hockey. I'd like it better if we women got more appreciation in sports. We do live in a male dominated world. One day I plan to change that. What can I say?
FlamingRose

Hey FlamingRose,
I think you've said it all. We do live in a male dominated world and guys' sports get much more attention in television and magazines than "girly sports" do. The best way for you to change those stereotypes is to keep kicking butt every time you compete against a guy. Each time you school a guy playing b-ball or knock him on his butt when you're playing football, people will see what you and other girls can do.

Girls are getting more appreciation in sports than they were 20 years ago. There are now professional leagues for women's soccer and women compete in most of the sports at the Olympics that men do. But guys and girls are also very different. There are certain sports guys are just better at and certain sports girls are just better at. That's why you don't see chicks ever slam the ball in the WNBA and that's why rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming are still "girl only" sports at the Olympics.

Do you have a question on sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach.

Related Stories:

Soccer and Basketball Help

P.E. Class and Football Practice

P.E. Teachers and Pre-Game Jitters

Get More Sports Info Here