Gender Equity in Athletics
Custodian of Policy: Title IX Coordinator
Relevant Minnesota State System Policy: Board Policy 1B.1
Effective Date: Fall 2014
Last Review: 2020
Next Review: 2027
Policy
Title IX of the Educational Amendments prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. This policy supplements the Minnesota State System lB.1 Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment Opportunity Policy and the MSUM Sexual Violence Policy, including sexual assault, and applies to all members the Athletics department, both employees and student-athletes.
Title IX provides that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
MSUM believes that its student-athletes should be provided equitable participation opportunities, receive equitable athletic scholarships, and that the overall men's and women's athletic programs be afforded equitable treatment. MSUM values the educational aspect of athletics and as such offers opportunities to compete in NCAA Division II varsity athletics program and is a member of the NSIC conference. The University also offers opportunities at the club level and through intramural programs.
Participation in varsity athletics, club, and intramural sports programs at MSUM is a privilege and those who participate must abide by relevant rules and regulations, including those set forth by the NCAA, conference, club affiliation, and MSUM. The rules applicable to those who participate in varsity athletic programs in particular are comprehensive and require that those who participate in athletics demonstrate a serious commitment to their teams. A summary of the typical level of commitment for varsity, club, and intramural level is provided below.
| Information | Varsity Sports | Club Sports | Intramural Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Varsity athletes are held to NCAA, NSIC, and MSU-Moorhead eligibility requirements. All eligibility is based on a variety of requirements set by the above mentioned governing bodies. NCAA = National Collegiate Athletic Association. NSIC = Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | All current MSUM students taking at least 1 credit are eligible to be part of the student organization. Officers of club programs must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Each club also has its own governing body that sets competition standards. | All current MSUM students taking at least 1 credit are eligible to participate in the Intramural Sports Program. |
| Average Time Commitment |
Varsity Sports are limited to 20 hours per week while in their championship season. These hours include practice, film, and strength and conditioning. Competitions include travel and missed class time, which is above and beyond the 20 hours of practice time per week. Year round training is encouraged. During the off season, varsity athletes are limited to 8 hours per week of conditioning and skill instruction. | It is typical for a club sports team to hold two to four practices per week during their primary season consisting of 1-2 hours in length. Competitions include travel and missed class time which is above and beyond the above practice time. Some club sports teams train tear round. Those that do train year round, typically practice 1-2 times per week in the off season and compete in a few off-season tournaments. | Intramural Sports teams typically play 1-2 times per week consisting of 1 hour in length. Most Intramural teams do not practice outside of their competition schedule |
| Funding Sources |
Varsity Athletics are funded by: -Student Activity Fee funded dollars -General Fund -Fundraising -Sponsorships |
Cub Sports are funded by: -Student Activity Fee funded dollars -Individual member dues -Fundraising -Sponsorships |
The Intramural Sports Program is funded by: -Student Activity Fee funded dollars -User-Fee dollars |
| Access to Coaching |
Each Varsity program consists of coaches with various FTE (Full Time Equivalencies). Teams also may have part time and volunteer coaches. | Club Sports Teams are student led, or have and adult volunteer coaches, and in some instances part time coaches paid with a small stipend. | Teams do not have access to coaches. They typically have team captains. |
Participation
There are three separate avenues for a school to demonstrate Participation equity. Those who wish to compete on a varsity sport that is not currently offered at MSUM should file a petition to request varsity status. Petitions will be reviewed annually. Factors considered shall include gender equity, interest and ability, intercollegiate competitive opportunities, among others. (Possible additional information-clubs who have try-outs, opportunities may still exist with intramural team to compete.)
Athletic Scholarships
MSUM offers equitable athletic scholarships to male and female intercollegiate student athletes. When determining equity between male and female student athletes, Title IX expects that the percentage of men and women who play sports will essentially mirror the percentage of athletics based aid provided to male and female student-athletes.
Treatment
The overall treatment of men and women on the intercollegiate level is expected to be equitable in the following areas:
- The provision of equipment and supplies
- Scheduling of games and practice times
- Travel and per diem allowance
- Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring
- Provision of locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities
- Provision of medical and training facilities and services
- Provision of housing and dining facilities and services
- Publicity
- Recruitment
The test for equity in treatment does not involve a sport to sport comparison but rather a comparison of treatment in the aggregate, i.e., are the men's and women's programs overall treated equitably in light of the unique nature of individual sports in each of these areas.
If you believe that you are not being treated equitably under this policy or if you are interested in filing a request for varsity status for an athletic team not currently offered at the varsity level, please contact Kara Gravley-Stack, kara.gravleystack@mnstate.edu, Flora Frick 153, 218.477.2391.
MSUM's Commitment to No Retaliation
Employees and students who ask questions, seek advice, or report a suspected violation of this policy are protected by MSUM' s no retaliation policy. Retaliation will not be tolerated. If you suspect that you or another student or employee may be the victim of retaliation, you should contact Kara Gravley-Stack immediately. Those who violate our no retaliation policy are subject to discipline.