Frib!

I am a woman and I play ultimate. I firmly believe it is one of the most equality based sport out there. But that doesn’t prevent our culturally-accrued sexism from leaking through on the ultimate field. You can see it in mixed teams. Many woman handlers are better than their male teammates, but are continually chosen last to be the handler, or only as a back up. Women cutters are looked off because they are expected to drop or throw away the disc. 

Sexism bleeds into the leadership of ultimate as well. As a female captain, I often feel as though it is necessary for a male to back my opinion so the whole team respects my decision. Though I do often enjoy feedback, I often have less experienced males giving me advice on how to run my team. I’ve tried to defend a call my teammate has made, but have been scolded and told I’m overreacting (when my woman clearly looks hurt and intimidated). 

Now, these personal stories might be the result of my shy personality. But I think it says something when the main responsibility of most women captains (in a coed league) is to send the weekly email. Even my boyfriend (who is firmly against femi-nazism) admitted that there is sexism within these contexts.