tanya,
good job taking the reins on this girl! here's what i think... keep on keepin' on what you are doing playing in all these events... be the good example and shining star for other gals in your area. don't let "the man" get you down (hahaha!!! damn the man!!!). it's a simple reality that there are just less women involved in sports as a general rule than men... except for women's volleyball, of course... if you are inspired to run a chick flick style regular get together for gals... do it! and yes, do involve the boys in that, too... i think that is very key to focus on the fact that we want more gals to play... but we certainly aren't down with excluding the dudes anymore than we're down with being excluded...
... and then here's a message to the TD's... make a place for the womenfolk... if one woman shows up, for heaven's sake that's a division!!! use your discretion as it should be used! go the extra mile to save spots for women, actively recruit women to your events... if you've got one gal signed up, get in touch with her and ask if she has any ideas for how to get more women into your event... let her know you are genuinely happy that she is there... i have been so impressed and appreciative of the TD's in the events that i have played and how they truly want and enjoy the presence of the ladies...
... yes, i understand i'm asking for what is essentially "special treatment"... but that's maybe what the girls need to get over feeling intimidated by tournaments or to feel intrigued enough to want to play... hopefully in 5 years or so we won't need this kind of hand holding, but for now... c'mon boys, suck it up and treat us as special as we are... you know you love it...
