Puget Sount Basketball League 12/6/2017

I. Executive Summary The 2016 report shows similar participation and opportunity ratios as reported the last four years. As stated in prior reports, male dominated sports such as adult softball and basketball create the most demand and provide the largest numbers of participants. In 2016 men's softball accounted for more than two thirds of all participation and opportunity slots in department sponsored programs. 2016 saw growth in the Girls Fast Pitch League and adult Flag football. Flag football increased male participation. While the 2015 report showed promise with the Girls H.S league, unfortunately,there was not enough interest and the program was cancelled in 2016. After offering a girls fast pitch league in 2015 which received 6 teams and positive feedback, the decision was made for 2016 to offer an additional night. Thursday was added and we doubled participation from 2015 (from 6 to 12 teams). Community third party organizations continue to offer equal opportunities consistent with the Community Athletics Programs Non-Discrimination Policy. No grievances were filed by the community in 2016. II. Background The Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5967 during the 2009 legislative session and Governor Gregoire signed it into law on May 12, 2009. The bill represents the State's policy interest in promoting gender equity related to community athletics programs. The bill requires that cities which provide community athletics programs on city owned facilities, such as Everett, adopt a non-discrimination policy prohibiting discrimination against persons on the basis of gender with respect to such community athletics programs. To fulfill the requirements of ESSB 5967 and support the City of Everett Parks and Recreation Department's Vision Statement, which commits the Department to: 1) help meet community values; and 2) support the need and desire for accessible parks, facilities, and programs for people of all ages, the Everett City Council adopted the City of Everett Parks and Recreation Community Athletics Programs Non-Discrimination Policy (the "Policy") on November 18, 2009. The purpose of the Policy is to help ensure that with regard to gender, the City of Everett Parks and Recreation Department (the "Department") and third parties providing community athletics/sports programs at Department facilities expand and support equal participation in community athletics programs and provide equal access to Department facilities that support such programs. Principles, goals, strategies, policy distribution, and policy administration are contained within the Policy. A full copy of the Policy is provided as Attachment A. Section 6.5 of the Policy specifically states "The Department will prepare and make available to the public an annual report regarding outcomes of its Policy administration." 3