Michigan's Intramural Scoring Policy is Blatantly Sexist

The Michigan Daily ran an article today about the charges of sexism that are being brought against the IM sports league on campus. Normally when I hear “sexism” on the UM campus I immediately roll my eyes in preparation for whatever I’m about to hear, but in this case, it’s actually a very legitimate point.

The issue at hand is that in the lower level “B” intramural sports, including basketball, soccer, flag football and ultimate Frisbee, when a girl scores, they receive more points than when a man does. For example, in soccer, when a guy scores, it’s a goal. A Girl? Two goals. Then there’s also something called a 4-point 3-pointer in basketball, only available to those who have boobs.

The issue should be obvious; the suggestion is that women are less physically able than men so their efforts “count more” when they actually manage to do something right like score a point. This is what’s known as “Family Reunion Rules” when your five year old cousin scores a soccer goal, it’s worth five so that he thinks he’s a super important part of the team. The notion that these are official written rules is especially preposterous. LSA rep Steve Benson had this to say:

“We didn’t think it was fair that women have to adhere to this rule,” Benson said. “It’s generalizing that all girls aren’t as good as guys at sports…It’s frustrating when you’re (up) by one and you end up losing when a girl scores.”

So the guys are pissed off that the “girl rule” can sink a game, and the girls are pissed off because the same rule trivializes their accomplishments on the field. Yeah, I think that about sums it up, but not everyone gets it. A recent comment:

This article sounds like it was written by some nerd who has sat behind his desk for 8 years and has never played a sport in his life. Anyone can see that these rules only promote the participation of female players in IM sports. If everyone was equal, female players would get less touches, passes, shots, etc.

Haha, I went to high school with the writer, and as I recall he actually played quite a few sports. Props Calero for writing about something that is actually interesting to read and ponder. Yes, ponder.