CAAWS PUBLICATIONS

WOMEN IN SPORT RESOURCES ORDER FORM
Published by: The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. Click here to download a pdf of the Resource order form

NEW! In Her Voice: An Exploration of Young Women’s Sport and Physical Activity Experiences
In Her Voice provides insight into the sport and physical activity experiences of girls and young women. The resource is based on focus group conversations with young women, aged 13-17, from five diverse communities across Canada. The information gathered offers program providers and decision-makers in the sport and active living, health, education, and social service sectors a better understanding of the diverse needs, interests and experiences of young women, supporting the creation of better programs and more responsive health promotion initiatives. Click here to download the pdf. Click here to request a hardcopy.

Sex Discrimination in Sport - An Update – Lawyer and sport management professor Hilary Findlay provides an up-to-date legal snapshot of the ‘lay of the land” as it applies to sex discrimination today. This report begins with seven real-life discrimination scenarios that set the stage for an explanation of the subtle issues that now enter legal analysis of discrimination. Federal and provincial jurisdiction is described, along with some of the unique circumstances of the Canadian sport system that make a jurisdictional analysis somewhat challenging. Such seemingly contradictory decisions can leave sport administrators scratching their heads about what might, and what might not, constitute sex discrimination in sport. Click here to download a free PDF of this publication (277KB, 20 pages) or click here to download a PDF of this executive summary (147KB, 2 pages).

Including Transitioned and Transitioning Athletes in Sport – Issues, Facts, and Perspectives – A discussion paper on the topic of gender transition and sport participation. Part of a larger project aimed at creating a shared understanding of gender diversity, this discussion paper approaches the issue from historical, ethical, educational, and scientific perspectives, and observes that contrary to popular belief, there is no empirical evidence to either support or refute the assumption that transitioned athletes compete at an advantage or disadvantage compared with physically born females and males. The Promising Practices: Working with Transitioning/Transitioned Athletes in Sport project was initiated by AthletesCAN, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), to identify and discuss the barriers that inhibit the participation of gender-transitioning and gender-transitioned athletes in sport. To download a copy of the discussion paper and the summary, or to view the various components of the project, click here.

Women on Boards: A Guide to Getting Involved
Women, through participation on governing boards and in senior roles of organizations, have a significant impact on sport in Canada from the grassroots level to elite international competitions. However, women are often underrepresented in leadership at the board level, leaving a void in discussions, perspectives and decision-making.
CAAWS is dedicated to encouraging girls and women to both participate and lead in sport and physical activity. Women on Boards: A Guide to Getting Involved, produced by CAAWS in partnership with 2010 Legacies Now, provides both organizations and women who are interested in serving on boards, with practical resources to ensure strong representation and leadership from women at the board level. Click here to download the entire guide (3 MB, 72 pages) or Click here to download by section.

Seeing the Invisible, Speaking about the Unspoken
A POSITION PAPER ON HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT
In keeping with its mandate to increase the participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity, CAAWS has recently prepared a position paper on homophobia in sport. Homophobia - or the fear and hatred of homosexuals - is often an obstacle to participation in sport among all groups: women and men, young and old, homosexual and heterosexual. In particular, many girls and women shy away from sport out of fear they will be perceived as lesbians. Click here to download a FREE pdf of the position paper (162 KB, 11 pages). Click here to download a pdf of this executive summary (179 KB, 2 pages).

Trail Considerations for Engaging Girls and Women - Free Download from CAAWS
Women want to use running and walking trails in their communities, but there are some things to think through when creating a trail, or updating an existing one that will appeal to females of all ages.
CAAWS has compiled a number of items to consider, starting with policy and program details, through to design, promotion, language and signage. Click here for a free PDF (218 KB, 3 pages) of this publication.

Success Stories - Free Download from CAAWS
Success Stories – Increasing Opportunities for Girls and Women in National and Multi-Sport Organizations is now available in either a downloadable or printed format. Success Stories provides a sampling of the many programs, projects and strategies from National and Multi-Sport Organizations that have been successful in encouraging opportunities for girls and women in sport. Click here for a free PDF (905 KB, 25 pages) of this publication. Printed copies are available from the CAAWS national office.

Disordered Eating in Sport: Taking a new direction - Free Download from CAAWS
Many active girls and women fall into disordered eating habits due to lack of education and many women with eating disorders delay effective treatment due to myths and fears that hold them back from recovering a healthy weight. Click here for a free PDF (54 KB, 4 pages) of this important publication.

Self-Esteem, Sport and Physical Activity - Free Download from CAAWS
The younger years in a child’s life are critical for producing positive self-esteem and may be influenced by personality, parenting techniques and role modelling. Coaches, physical education teachers and active living leaders can positively influence self-esteem and provide girls and women with ongoing incentive to participate and personally succeed in physical activity endeavours. Click here for a free PDF (52 KB, 4 pages), complete with check lists, to help build self-esteem in girls and young women.

Positive Messaging for Girls and Young Women - Free Download from CAAWS
While some girls and women excel at sport and physical activity, others face barriers to their participation, including inadequate opportunities to participate and develop their skills, little support and encouragement from parents, teachers and coaches, and a lack of positive role models. Making a difference in the lives of girls and young women can be easy – click here for a free PDF (36 KB, 2 pages) with five ways you can encourage girls and young women in a positive, productive way.

CAAWS' new photo CD
Are you looking for images of girls and women participating in sport and physical activity? Images that show different abilities, different cultures, races and people of all shapes and sizes? Images that cover a variety of activities including winter, summer, extreme sports, team and individual? Photos of older women, young women, pregnant women and children? Click here for CAAWS' new photo CD which offers 55 colour images suitable for non-commercial use in brochures, flyers or newsletters. (PDF 43 KB)

On the Move Handbook
The ON THE MOVE Handbook is a user-friendly resource designed as a practical guide for programmers, teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents or guardians interested in creating a female-only program or in need of information about how to create positive and inclusive environments. ...More

Health Benefits of Physical activity for Girls and Women
This research project was conceived as a starting point to accumulate the relevant information regarding the health benefits and risks of physical activity for girls and women. Specific attention was also paid to the place of marginalized women within the research. Click here to download a PDF (727 KB)

Making the Most of Your Opportunities: A Media Guide for Athletes and Their Coaches
Learn the fine art of effective self-promotion and to raise your media profile. Insight and advice on how to feel comfortable and in control when meeting the media. A great resource that provides practical tips and checklists for athletes and coaches.
Stock # - MG-1
Cost - $ 15.00

Innovative Ideas 2002 – Inspiring Action
Is a collection of 27 success stories from across Canada. Its purpose is to spark new initiatives, inspire action, and recognize those individuals and organizations across Canada increasing opportunities and encouraging girls and women to participate and lead in sport and physical activity. This collection starts with an introduction to CAAWS and an overview of some of its innovative initiatives and resources.

Girls In the Game
A motivating poster, with photos of girls and women participating in sports and physical activity. Poster measures 26.5 “ x 10” (Locker size).
Stock # - GIG-4
Cost – Free