THIRD READING

Bill No: SCR 79

Author: Galgiani (D)

Introduced: 1/22/20

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: California Girls and Women in Sports Day

SOURCE: California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation

and Dance

DIGEST:

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

President Ronald Reagan declared February 4, 1987, as the first National Women in Sports Day, in recognition of the history of women’s athletics and the progress made by the Title IX amendment passed in 1972, codifying nondiscrimination in sports programs.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day exists to acknowledge past, and recognize current, sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equity, pay, and access for women in sports.
Participation in sports is acknowledged as a positive force in developing and promoting the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of all individuals. In addition to establishing a healthy, active lifestyle, sports build confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to work with a team.
A need for increased opportunities exists for girls to participate in and pursue physical activity at the community and scholastic levels to improve their health and well-being and to develop lifelong fitness habits at an early age.
Girl’s and women’s athletics is one of the most effective avenues available through which women may develop self-discipline, initiative, and confidence, regardless of background.
Girls and women of all ages are encouraged to participate in, and contribute to, sports at all levels of competition and help prepare the next generation of female sports leaders.

This resolution declares the first Wednesday in February as the California Girls and Women in Sports Day to acknowledge the contributions of, and to recognize, girls and women in sports in California; and states that all teachers, school administrators, and community policymakers take appropriate measures to ensure equity in sports programs and activities in California.

Related/Prior Legislation

HR 13 (Chu, 2020) declared California Girls and Women in Sports Day to acknowledge the contributions of, and to recognize, girls and women in sports in California. (Adopted by the Assembly on February 28, 2019.)

SCR 93 (Skinner, Resolution Chapter 8, Statutes of 2018) recognized female athletes, coaches, officials, and sports administrators for their important contributions in promoting the value of sports in the achievement of full human potential and proclaimed January 29, 2018, to February 4, 2018, inclusive, as California Girls and Women in Sports Week.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 1/27/20)

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Dance (source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 1/27/20)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The author states, “In 1972, the year that Title IX was introduced, just one in 27 girls participated in high school varsity sports (about 300,000 girls). Forty-eight years later SCR 79 celebrates the tremendous progress made as about 3.5 million girls participated in high school sports in the 2018-2019 school year. In addition, evidence proves athletic activity helps women overcome cultural and economic barriers to their advancement. This includes higher achievement in school and in fields generally dominated by men, such as science and math.”

Prepared by: Melissa Ward / SFA / (916) 651-1520

1/29/20 16:37:16

**** END ****

SCR 79: California Girls and Women in Sports Day.

News Coverage: