Women playing in men's leagues

Women playing in men's leagues

As usual, if it's been covered lock it down, mods.

What do you guys think about women playing in men's leagues if they're good enough?  Just the current uproar about sexism from the commentators in Britain made me think about it.  If women can officiate a men's match why can they not participate in it?

Some things I was reading about it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4110845.stm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maribel_Dominguez

I don't think women should be able to play in the mens leagues. It's not sexist at all to keep them separate, it's just common sense considering not only the physical differences, but the different styles of play between the games.

There are a few women that play in the lower mens leagues of Capital football.  I suspect the rules strictly say they can't but no one cares as long as you don't run into Renee Leota or someone who would be way to good for the level of football.

they arent allowed to. They are in Rapa however

They can't in Central Football without special exemption. Massey wasn't allowed, but Wanganui Athletic got an exemption for a player to play in Mid Central. I think she was an age group NZ rep. Played in the same team as James Musa.

I think if they are good enough AND there isn't a women's league of high enough quality for them to play in (so obviously it shouldn't happen in Capital Football) then why not. No-one in our team held back in tackling her, and she got up from tackles without complaint (when she wasn't skinning our fullback!).

I have no issues with it. If you are good enough shouldn't matter how old you are or what sex you are. Lots probably won't agree but that's my honest opinion.

Personally in professional football I don't think they should be allowed to, semi-pro either.  Amateur football I think they should go on a case by case basis taking into accounts things like if there are local women's leagues of an appropriate level.

I don't buy the sexist argument, though, as men can't play in women's leagues.

In my opinion it would change the nature of the game.  Players would think twice about going into a tackle hard if a woman was involved and while some over the top tackles would be avoided I still don't think it would be a good thing overall.  Then you'd get the odd player who wouldn't take gender into account and you'd get a Muscat vs Zahra tackle but on a woman and while I'm no doctor I suspect the result would be horrible.  Also things like changing rooms and other small things like that would be tiny issues which could add up and be a major nuisance.  I really don't see separation as sexism in any way.

What I want to know is if there are any offsides in the women's games?

Well then, don't have leagues separated by the sex of the participants.

I don't think it should change the nature of the league, a good tackle is a good tackle, a bad tackle is a bad tackle. The rules are the same and if you can't hack it at a certain level physically, male or female, then find a level that suits. Biggest change probably would be the type of female players this would produce - increased physicality over increased skill level?

Fair point into the logistical issues this would raise.

As long as they all use the same changing room, its ok with me

Too much crap to be considered other than "if they're good enough, they're good enough", but if they can figure it out, ok by me.

Would be happy if MVFC gave Richardino the flick and signed Marta instead.

Imagine watching some prick like Muscat get schooled by chicks. That'd be fantastic.

I don't see why not, if they're good enough. Saying otherwise is almost like saying you can't have anyone under 21 in the A-Leauge, cause they're not big and tough enough yet. (Marco Rojas anyone)

If they can foot it, then they should do it. It's not as if we're talking rugby here. I mean, seriously, how many players go through the game without really encountering any massive physical contact anyway.

If you've got the skills, you'll skin them everytime.

And if the opposition has to resort to bobsledding you, then i dont think it matter if you're a guy or a girl, they were going to do it anyway.

Most males wound not go into a tackle with a female as they normally would.

Once they have been skinned a couple of times in a competitive game they would.

Never met anyone that could.

Would be good to have shirt swapping at the end too.

Well personally I know I wouldn't tackle a woman as hard as I'd tackle a guy who was skinning me and I know many would be the same.

I think the most awkward thing would be contesting in the air.

what level do peope think the best chicks could play at in wgtn?