Courtney Greer - High School Soccer Player
Some people may find Courtney's story too political, some may find it unreasonable. But we think it's inspirational. Courtney wants to play soccer, she wants to play soccer with the best players around. In her town, this happens to be her High School senior boys' team.
Courtney's been playing soccer since she was three and she's been playing with best of the girls and boys all her life. She was even the co-MVP of the Junior Boys Team...so she's definitely talented enough to play with the seniors boys. Well, Courtney made the team alright, but the Ontario Federation of School Athletics (OFSA) was resistant about her playing. Their policy prohibits girls from playing on boys' teams.
This policy wasn't going to hold Courtney back. She's determined to develop her skills so she can pursue a scholarship at a top US University. Courtney decided to take the OFSA to the Human Rights Commission. The OFSA must have seen the light since they recently changed their gender equity policy to allow girls to play on boys' teams. This has been a divisive issue among people...as are all issues involving equality, but we're supporting Courtney: She believes the change will give girls a choice and create more leadership opportunities for younger girls on sports teams. Way to pursue your hopes, dreams and goals Courtney. You are an inspiration to all.
Now...to answer all those who ask the question: "Does this mean boys can play on girls teams?" To which our answer is: "Let teams be based on skill levels and not on gender."
Photo Credits: David Bebee, TheRecord.com
Comments
Courtney Greer
Personally I am disgusted by this. No matter where you go in our society there is always an issue of someone's rights being trodden upon, no matter how trivial the issue, and women's rights is possibly the most obnoxious.
If women in our world claim to be equal to men in every aspect, why must they be catered to even in high school athletics? Keep the girls on the girls team, and the guys on the guys.
Greer can join a co-ed league if she's determined to mix genders. I see no reason why there should be a single female element on a previously all-male team. Whether you're willing to admit it or not, a female presence will disrupt the social hierarchy and actions of individual players.
Get back to your own league, Courtney.
reply to: Courtney Greer
Lloyd, the point here is that people should be treated equal. Do you want the best soccer players in a league or the best men soccer players? As to your comment about disruption of social hierarchy...I think that's the point exactly. There shouldn't be a social hierarchy, our society should be based on merit. I'm sure there were many who were also concerned about the state of social hierarchy when the franchise was passed to women and people of colour.