Bill Overview
Title: Gender Equity in College Sports Commission Act
Description: This bill establishes a Commission on Gender Equity in College Sports. The commission must (1) compare how the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) operates men's and women's championship tournaments with respect to the treatment of the participating men's and women's teams, and (2) report to Congress on its findings with recommendations on how the NCAA can improve gender equity.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Target Audience
Population: College athletes
Estimated Size: 480000
- The bill targets gender equity in college sports, specifically focusing on NCAA championship tournaments.
- Both male and female college athletes are involved in these tournaments, meaning they are directly impacted by any changes or findings from the commission.
- The NCAA, which governs college sports, operates primarily in the United States.
- College sports teams from around the world may participate in NCAA events, but the main stakeholders are U.S. college athletes.
Reasoning
- The bill's scope is focused on achieving gender equity in college sports, particularly in how championship tournaments are conducted. Its impact will be most directly felt by college athletes, who are the main participants in NCAA events. Hence, they are the primary target group.
- Budget limitations suggest that initiatives stemming from the commission's recommendations should be cost-effective and scalable to impact the breadth of NCAA sports. Therefore, the policy might primarily fund reports, analysis, and advisory recommendations rather than direct interventions.
- The impact duration may differ among individuals depending on their athletic involvement duration in the NCAA. Some may feel immediate benefits, while others might only see changes gradually as policies are modified.
Simulated Interviews
college student and athlete (California)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's good that someone is finally paying attention to the differences in how men and women are treated in college sports.
- I've personally experienced and seen such disparities first-hand.
- The NCAA could do better, and I hope this commission pushes them in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
college student and athlete (Texas)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Women's sports don't get the same resources as men's sports. If that changes, it's only fair.
- I think this could help alleviate some tensions between male and female teams on campuses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
college student and athlete (Florida)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, there's hope for fair treatment in sports facilities and media coverage.
- There's a stark difference in travel arrangements, and I hope this changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
college student and athlete (New York)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see a huge impact on men's teams, but understanding gender equity is important.
- I'm curious to see if this leads to more support for our female teammates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
college student and athlete (Georgia)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Equal opportunity can really change how female athletes perceive their future in sports.
- I'm hopeful but cautious about the outcomes; reports are good, but actions matter.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
college student and athlete (Ohio)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is mostly about women's sports, but I'd like to see all athletes benefit in terms of better resources.
- As long as it doesn't impact our funding, I'm supportive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
college student and athlete (Illinois)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've been asking for changes, and having a commission report is a step forward.
- I look forward to seeing their findings published and acted upon.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
recent college graduate and former athlete (North Carolina)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I saw first-hand how women's teams struggled with less funding and support while in college.
- It's about time more effort is put toward equality across sports genders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
college student and athlete (Michigan)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This commission has the potential to influence scholarship opportunities and resources.
- I hope it results in real change, especially in visibility for women's sports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
college student and athlete (Washington)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We face constant challenges for equal recognition and resources in rowing.
- Positive changes could greatly boost our performance and experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1750000)
Year 2: $1200000 (Low: $800000, High: $1500000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $700000, High: $1250000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The commission's effectiveness will depend on the cooperation of the NCAA and the sports communities.
- Public interest and media coverage could influence the perceived importance and impact of the commission's findings.
- Potential resistance from established NCAA practices might affect the implementation of recommendations.