Title IX is a federal law in the United States that was passed in 1972. It prohibits discrimination based on gender or sex in any educational programs or any programs under federal funding. Title IX in sports refers to financial aid, admissions, and benefits. It has been extremely important to gender equality by bringing more opportunities for female athletes by requiring schools to provide equal resources to both male and female teams. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

1. Limited Oppurtunities: From recreational to the professional level, there are limitations for the oppurtunities female athletes can have. 

2. Inequality in Resources: Female athletes often experience fewer resources such as facilities, coaching, and skill development.

3. Pay Gap: Female athletes earn far less in comparison to male athletes in the same sports. A pay gap reinforces societal inequalities and devalues the accomplishments made by female athletes. 

4. Media Representation: There is limited coverage in terms of women's sports, and this lack of visibility leads to decreased recognition, sponsorship opportunities, and respect as athletes. 

1. Resiliency and Advocacy Skills: Children will learn about resilience and bouncing back when faced with adversity. 

2. Awareness of Gender Stereotypes: Children can recognizes the disparities between the boys and girls experiences and question gender stereotypes. Abilities and interest are not determined by gender.

3. Understanding of Title IX and Gender Equability: There are historical aspects to sexism in sport and the legal actions taken to combat it. It is important that we have these policies to combat sexism in athletics.  

4. Critical Thinking about Fairness: Children will have to critically think to evaluate fairness in the story. Its important they understand everyone deserves an equal opportunity regardless of gender. 

Mia is a little girl who is discovering the sexism and discrimination female athletes often face in sports. Through her time in various sports, Mia learns what's important to her and how she can make change. 

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As caregivers, it is important to engage with children in conversations surrounding gender equality and societal norms from an early age. Children’s literature is a valuable tool that can commence these discussions in an age appropriate manner. By using this discussion guide, caregivers and their children can explore the discrepancies between men and women's sports through the story of a little girl entering the athletic world. The discussion guide is designed to encourage critical thinking, and develop both empathy and understanding. 

“The Fair Play Field” follows a little girl who is passionate about sports and dreams of becoming a professional athlete. She doesn’t quite know which sport she wants to dedicate herself to, but she is exploring all of her options. Her family is not athletically inclined, however, they are in full support of her goals and support her in her endeavors. During her athletic journey, she is presented with societal perceptions of gender in sports. The little girl notes the difference between provided resources, media coverage, and available opportunities in men and women's sports. She begins to question why these inequalities exist and develops a new goal to advocate for equal treatment for female athletes. Through discussion between caregivers and their children, they can learn empathy and the value of advocacy to create a more equitable world. Regardless of gender. 

Language matters and it builds connections between our minds and the world around us. When children are taught how to communicate effectively, they will be better equipped to process emotions and navigate in society. Language allows for ones self esteem and empathy for others. Words have the power to shape how children view the world, so they should be chosen wisely. 

Here are some discussion questions one may use to initiate conversation:

1. What did you think of Mia's journey? Do you find any of it interesting or relatable?

2. How do you think Mia felt when she noticed the differences between men's and women's sports?

3. Why do you think these differences exist in real life?

4, How did Mia respond? What do you think she learned from it?

5, How can female athletes support each other despite these differences?

6, Have you ever seen or experienced anything similar to Mia's experience?

7. Do you think it's important for men and women to have equal opportunities, especially in sports?

Equality assumes that all humans start off at the same point and will be faced with the same issues in life. 

Equity recognizes that each person is different from on another and needs different levels of support to achieve fair outcomes. 

Faith Lawson is currently a student at Pacific University earning her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. With a goal to work as a Criminal Profiler, her mission is dedicated to enhancing public safety by meticulously analyzing criminal behavior patterns and providing insights to law enforcement. Lawson is currently pursuing opportunities for internship or volunteer work in sheriff’s offices in Yamhill County. 

Lawson is a third-year undergraduate student and participates on the varsity collegiate Softball team while working part-time. She is a transfer from Southwest Minnesota State University where she also participated on the varsity collegiate Softball team. Lawson is a first-generation college student representing her tribe, Chugach Corporation hailing from Alaska. While she has a vast amount of support, balancing all the different aspects of life can be tasking. However, working toward her goals impels her towards the relentless pursuit of excellence. She is choosing to become a mentor for the Pacific University Connect program where she will aid first year students in navigating their schedules and class. 

Through her experiences, she hopes to serve as an inspiration for young girls, particularly those within her tribe. She desires to embody a positive representation for their aspirations and potential.