The Male Presence in Predominately Female Sports
By Kelly S. Croslis

Over the years there have been defined roles when it came to sports, male athletes had their sports and female athletes theirs. For the most part this worked, and over the last couple decades new sports teams have been developed giving women the opportunity to have their own league in what may have been seen as male sports.

There is a slight twist to this story; there are times when men join in what has been seen as a female sport. We often see this in the opposite, where women are participating in men's sports - so this is a little different. Cheering and gymnastics come to mind first. Cheering, especially at the pee-wee and high school levels are predominately female, short skirts and belly shirts are perfect for them. Strength training, stunt clinics and gymnastics prepare them for the cheers and tosses they will perform. When these same athletes arrive at college, however, they are joined by male cheerleaders and there is no real surprise in their presence. They seem to be a requirement and expected. With the inclusion of the "muscle" as some may refer to it - the stunts, the presence and voice is increased dramatically. The ability of these squads, now are amazing - high school squads watch them in awe wanting to imitate their routines the best they can.

Turning the attention to gymnastics, the male presence has been more predominate over the years, but once again a sport seen initially as one for women. While the agility and talent of these female gymnasts is amazing, the way they tumble and perform makes us watch in wonder. In the same way, the men equally have us watching as they demonstrate their arm strength on the rings, their own agility and talent on floor exercises and similar routines.

Many will not see these two examples are true sports, and feel male athletes should not be classified in them, the strength, talent and determination on both side is evident, combining forces, so to speak, can bring together a totally different show, involving more complicated stunts and a greater presence. So, whether it's female's trying to participate in male dominated sports or vice-versa, there may be something each bring to the other - if we only step back and give them a chance.

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