Puget Sount Basketball League 12/6/2017

V. Status and conclusion to date 2016 data shows minimal growth and consistent participation and opportunities that were identified in the 2015 report. While the 2016 report shows an increase in participation by 37 females, the numbers are consistent with the girls flag football not running and the added girls fast pitch league on Thursday evenings in the fall. Additionally, Everett Lacrosse expanded their organization to include girl's lacrosse elementary and middle school teams. Through additional promotion and marketing, the department will continue to be strategic in its efforts to increase participation to females. Efforts for 2017 will include expansion of existing programs such as such as girl's fast pitch. The focus will continue to be expanding and maintaining existing program levels. Recent research conducted by Parks and Recreation Magazine (2014) included an article entitled "Sports: It's (Still) a MAN's World". The article indicated that only 34%of girls in all grade levels say sports are a big part of who they are. Furthermore, 61%of girls listed dancing as the most frequent physical activity they participated in; followed by swim/diving at 56%, basketball at 55%and jogging at 53%. Conversely, 71%of boys listed basketball, followed by football at 65% and soccer at 51%as their most frequent physical activity they participated in. The article concludes that while significant improvement has been made to close the equity gap in participation by females in sports,there are challenges to increase female participation. The article states that the work done by Park and Recreation agencies is critical in the development of young girls to succeed in sports and life. Parks and Recreation agencies must continue to encourage young women to participate while doing our best to be as fair and equitable with both programs and facilities made available to female athletes. 8