Nature of Women Sports Organisations - Report Example

Nature of women sports organisations Table of contents The theories of sports 4 Problem identification and analysis 5 ment of major problems 6 Evaluation of alternative solutions and recommendations 7 References: 9 Bannayan A, 2008, “First Women From Oman and UAE”, Women’s e News, [online], Available at: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=3696 , [6th June, 2009] 9 Executive summary Women’s participation in sports has been a sensitive issue in the Gulf countries. There the accessibility of sports for women largely depends upon the position and amount of power given to them by the society. But slowly the sports scenario is changing and women are becoming more visible in the sports arena. Recently, countries like Oman have started new clubs for women, where they can hone their skills and Bauscher Club is one of them. Bausher Club was set in the year of 2005 with the aim of promoting women’s sport especially in the field of football in the Sultanate of Oman (CONCACAF, 2008). Despite all the obstacles it continues to face, women’s football is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East. It is on the rise in spite of the continuing lack of acceptance and security. And as Omani sportswomen gain prominence, society too seems to be opening up to the ideas that girls could participate in competitive sports. Introduction For people in general sport is a medium of entertainment; it is work for the professional athletes; it is employment for the sport tourism agencies and business for the sports marketing agencies. Sports may involve many individuals, duo or even a single individual to participate. The council on Europe (2001) defined sport as “all form of physical activities through which participant improve their physical fitness and mental wellbeing which resulting into social relationship and competition at all levels.” (Parks B. J. et al, n.d.) So as per this definition it can be said that sport does not always means competition, requiring specialized equipments or have to follow specific rules. The theories of sports Functionalist theory­- It tells that “how sport fits into the society”, it means the social implication of sport on the people and the society as the whole. It emphasizes on promoting sport in different sector of society. But it does not take into account the different need of people in different sectors neither it explains the negative impact of sport on the society. Conflict theory: It tells about “what role sports plays in distribution of power into the society.” This theory takes into account the different social structure and the prevailing relationship in it which are the product of different economic forces. Interactionist theory: It tells about “what people feel and think about their participation in sports”. It focuses on the different relation and sub-culture in sports. It takes into account the view of an athlete about the surrounding world. Critical theory: It tells that “sports are much more than just refection of society”. Basically, it is a combination of several theories which provide explanation about culture, power and relationship. As per it the meaning of sport varies depending on the structure of society. So it can be concluded that it is a cultural ideology. Feminist theory: It tells “how gender differentiation effect sports”. Basically, it takes into account the role of women in sports. Society has always differentiated between men and women. This sex differentiation has created hindrance for women to prove their ability and talent as an athlete. Figurational theory: It tells “what role sports play in an inter dependent society”. As per this theory, sports reduces boredom of people and help them to interact with each other. This theory represents the society as a network of independent individuals and sports as collective inventions. Problem identification and analysis Women’s participation in the Olympics Sports Organization has been always sensitive subject for the Middle East countries. The world of sports here was male dominated but slowly women are becoming more visible. But still there are many factors which contribute to the low level of participation of women in the sports. The detailed description of the factors of low participation of women in sports identified with the above stated theories is given below: The cultural aspect is one of the major deterrents in the participation of women in sports. Culture relates to the Interactionist theory of sports, which focuses on the different relation and sub- culture in sports. Many women are constrained by their ethnic background from participating in sports. Some culture does not always promote exercise and sports. Some women who identify themselves in terms of ethnicity are not interested in participating in sports as it challenges the boundaries of feminist and cultural identity (Bannayan A, 2008). The second factor which results in the low participation of women in sports is the religious aspect. Religion again relates and to the Interactionist theory of sports which focuses on the different relation and sub-culture in sports. The interpretations of the faith or belief which the women in Oman follow are often misinterpreted. And this leads to lower level of participation in sports. The third major factor, which results in the low participation of women in sports is the problem of sexes mixing freely in the places of work, play etc. Mixed groups relates to the Feminist theory of sports. The Feminist theory focuses on the effects of gender differentiation in sports. Mixed groups poses major problems as many women are put off the idea of playing sports as there are no segregated sporting facilities available for them. Another major factor that results in the low participation of women in the sports is because of their strict dress code. Dress restrictions relates to the Feminist theory of sports. In order to participate they need to follow some guidelines regarding the dress code which acts as a hindrance in their performances and also their participation in the sports. In most sports, robes and head scarves would make it impossible for a women athlete to perform at her best. Yet, another major factor which results in the low participation of women in the sports is the value placed on women’s sport. The value placed on women’s sport is often lower, resulting in inadequate resources and unequal wages and prizes. In the media, women’s sport is not only marginalized but also often presented in a different style. And this relates to the critical theory of sports, which focuses on the relation, power and gender within a society (Zahir F, 2007). Statement of major problems All of the problems discussed above are important but removing each one of them is not practically feasible. However, the major problems can always be identified and accordingly of various action plans can be formed to resolve them. The first major problem is the strict dress restriction. Women’s sporting opportunities are limited because they have to wear a headscarf and long coat. And this results into lower participation of women in the sports. The action plan over here can be creating a culturally sensitive sportswear. Another plan can be of gradually changing the notions of people of Oman over the strict dress code. The second major problem is the free mingling of sexes mixing freely in the places of work, play etc. Here the women are not allowed to mix freely with the members of the opposite sexes. And due to the fact that women sports club are just an extension of the male club, this becomes very difficult to follow. And as a result many women are segregated from the sports world. So the action plan here can be that of making different infrastructural facilities for the women’s sport club. Again the club can even hire female coaches for ignoring this problem. Evaluation of alternative solutions and recommendations The first strategy which can be used to overcome the problems which deters the women participation in the sports and also which plagues the sport club is to create a women sport dress, which ensures that their cultural sensibilities are not offended. The dress can be designed in such a fashion where a sleek head covering will be made from stretchy fabric that covers the head and neck. So that women can participate in physical activity without worrying about a shifting headscarf. The second strategy which can be used to overcome the problems is to make separate sports infrastructural facilities for the women. The various infrastructural facilities can be in the form of separated gyms, stadiums and practicing areas for them. In this way there will be no mingling of sexes in the public places. Hence their cultural values will also remain intact while playing. One big disadvantage of this strategy can be that of funds. The third strategy can be that of employing only women instructors, trainees, referees etc. so that there is no mingling of sexes while the women come to the club for playing. Besides same club can be used for both men and women given separate timings are there for the women. The best path which the club can follow to reduce its problem can be a combination of first and strategy. This would mean that the major problems which the sport club is facing now will get reduced to a great extent. And this would entail there would be more inflow of women in the sports. This would eliminate discrimination against the women in order to ensure same opportunities are given to them in the fields of sports. References: Bannayan A, 2008, “First Women From Oman and UAE”, Women’s e News, [online], Available at: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=3696 , [6th June, 2009] CONCACAF, 2008, Oman, Capital Balls, [online], Available at: http://capital-balls.com/page/7/?s=confederation, [6th June, 2009] Parks B. J. et al, no date, “Managing Sports In The 21st Century”, Contemporary Sports Management, Third Edition, [online], Available at: http://books.google.co.in/books?id=I6NwN3xuTYYC&pg=PA445&lpg=PA445&dq=theories+for+women+sports+organization&source=bl&ots=htLCiwcp20&sig=8kc8EZljbjdyAhOiYLGZPmHOEJQ&hl=en&ei=YHUjSqi2KYyBkQW5kfWDBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPR4,M1, [6th June, 2009] Zahir F, 2007, “Sporting a new style for women”, Asia times, [online], Available at: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ID25Ak01.html, [6th June, 2009] Read More