Slam Dunk: Female Coaches, Referees Changing Professional Sports

SIMEON LAM
Sports Editor

Since professional sports began officially existed, many leagues have evolved in different ways. One of the biggest movements in this decade has dealt with female involvement in professional sports. No, it’s not about women competing with men. Instead, female coaches and referees are becoming a topic of interest In fact, the stage has already been set. Before, there were no female coaches in pro sports. But this past year, Becky Hammon, former WNBA player, was hired by the San Antonio Spurs as the first full-time female assistant coach on an NBA team staff. In addition, she led the team’s summer camp team to the summer league championship as head coach. This may soon become the stepping stone for other females to become a part of men’s professional sports whether in other leagues or in the NBA.

Similarly, in the NBA, there have been three female staff official/referee appearances in games, most recently in this past season. Even though there have been controversy from a couple of athletes, such as negative comment from Clippers star, Chris Paul, becoming officials are a great way for females to become involved in men’s athletics. If anything, it may soon become a norm to see a female official and coach in every sport event.
Throughout the years, the evolution of female involvement in professional sports has become greater than ever in this age of gender equality. The boundaries have become much thinner, and it won’t be long before this becomes a normal job for females in professional leagues. Still, there are some boundaries for women playing prominent roles in professional sports. The movements have not spread to other leagues than the NBA. Hopefully, these actions will spread to other sports and give opportunities to hire women in the world of professional sports.