Comparison of the Mid-American Conference athletic department regarding compliance with Title IX

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gender discrimination has been an issue in society since the beginning of time. Title IX is one of the most publicized topics involving college athletics during the 1990's. Women are bringing lawsuits against colleges and universities after learning they have the legal right to the same opportunities as men.Title IX is making things equitable, not necessary equal in dollar amount. The athletic departments have to achieve "proportionality." Proportionality is reached when the ratio of male and female student-athletes equals the proportion of male and female enrollment in the undergraduate student body. The Office of Civil Rights examines three areas in assessing an athletic department's compliance with Title IX: (1) athletic financial assistance; (2) other nonfinancial program areas; and, (3) the accommodation of athletic interests and abilities of students (Lopiano, 1994; Narol, 1994; Pieronek, 1994; Wilde, 1994). PURPOSE: To compare the athletic departments in the Mid-American Conference institutions regarding compliance with Title IX. SIGNIFICANCE: The data elicited from this study will provide useful information to athletic compliance directors. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to the ten athletic compliance directors in the M.A.C. The instrument was composed primarily of YES / NO choices describing the different issues regarding compliance with Title IX guidelines. A cover letter that explained the purpose and benefits of the study accompanied the survey.Statistical analysis and computations were made in order to analyze the responses to the questions in the survey. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the data obtained in the study. RESULTS: Chi-square statistical analysis were performed during this study to determine the financial differences between several survey questions. Variables were combined for analysis because of a small sample size. The Alpha level was p < .05 in all analysis.The null hypothesis of the Title IX survey stated that there will be no statistical differences in the survey questions.