The position of women in sports has always been ambiguous. In ancient times, they could not participate in the Olympic Games; in the 19th century, they could not ride a bicycle. Now women compete in almost all sports but still feel that their rights are being infringed upon.
Many people think women’s football is a frivolous activity, but this is not the case since this direction in sports is represented in important international competitions. Different types of football are actively developing around the world. If you understand the rules of American football, it turns out that this game is not only for the strong but also for the smart. The participation of women in this discipline is as normal as their participation in physics and mathematics.
In this article, we will talk about the minorities in American football and the popularity of such matches. After all, American women’s football tickets are also in demand at https://www.koobit.com/nfl-c76.
Representation of Women and Minorities
Nowadays, gender boundaries between sports are blurred. In ancient times, things were different. Women were forbidden even to approach the stadium at the Olympic Games — this was punishable by death. Today, women are represented in the Olympic program, including traditionally male sports.
Women’s sports in the US and Europe are at the peak of popularity. In addition to tennis (the most profitable sport for women) and the Olympic disciplines, team sports flourished — primarily football (women now fill stadiums and become global superstars).
But American football has not developed yet. Women have two paths to fame and fans in America’s most popular sport. There are already about 20 such examples at the student level (which is taken very seriously in the US). But almost all women played in positions that did not require hard physical contact with opponents.
Minorities in American football
The topics of orientation, other nationality, or skin color are still quite acute in professional sports, particularly American football. Despite numerous actions in support of minorities, professional players prefer to hide their sexual orientation or nationality for fear of criticism or even harassment from fans. And history knows examples of when coming out hindered a professional career.
In modern football, clubs and associations express themselves in every way in support of minorities, hold various actions, and declare their respect for the principle of equality and diversity. However, most football players of different nationalities or orientations prefer to hide their rights for freedom, fearing public condemnation or the collapse of their careers.
However, in recent years, the NFL has promoted equal rights for women and minorities in American football. That is, they will be able to play in teams and occupy high positions in the NFL. Women and minorities will have the right to coach a team or manage an entire club. In addition, the NFL intends to collect data on all representatives of racial minorities in the league and closely monitor their careers. If the league notices any discrimination against them, it will immediately take action.
Women’s American Football
The Women’s American Football League was created in 2009 and was formerly known as the “Lingerie Football League” and later, in 2013, renamed as Legends Football League. The games attract male spectators as the participants wear protection, a bra, and panties. The Legends Football League is played between two teams of seven players. The match includes two halves of 17 minutes with a break of 15 min. If regular time ends with a tie, the game may be extended several times by eight minutes until a winner is determined.
Initially, women’s American football was planned exclusively as part of the halftime show of the American football national league final game. Due to the huge popularity of the action, they started to hold full-fledged matches.
Legends Football League is considered a lightweight version of American football. Several rules are simplified: the field is smaller, there are no goals, and there are not so many players on the teams. This sport recruits girls with spectacular appearances. In the sports uniform, the athletes have everything that is supposed to be:
- Shoulder pads;
- Knee pads;
- Elbow pads;
- Open helmets.
The rules are made as “mini” American football. In a team of seven people, the field is reduced, there are no gates, and the ball must be brought into the opponent’s half, beyond the line where the gate could be. Unlike men’s football, certain movements are prohibited here. Such is the case with the field goal, one of the few foot movements that will allow you to score points.
Also, using so-called kicks, in which the ball should not touch the ground, is not allowed. In Legends Football League matches, the kickoff is also not allowed by women’s football rules due to the ball in hand. The games are real, like in men’s American football — grabbing the ball, forward throws, and breakthroughs. All American football paraphernalia has been preserved. Spectators always strongly support women’s teams. That is, women’s American football reaches the level of the original one. Of course, women’s matches do not gather such big stadiums, but American football with the participation of women is just as spectacular.
The time has already come that the most serious coaches train women’s teams, and not everyone can get into the team. The popularity of this species is still gaining momentum and its fans.