Who Designed This Stuff?

May 4, 2003

I have found that one of the hardest parts about women playing tackle football is not necessarily the sport itself. Women can adapt to different environments, we can learn the rules, we can overcome adversity and ignore the controversy. One thing we have not been able to control however is finding equipment that fits. Most players including myself have settled for something that “works for now,” in the hopes that somewhere down the line a company will figure out the benefits of manufacturing women’s sports equipment. It should come as no surprise that there is a difference between a man and a women’s anatomy, so how is it that women are expected to comfortably fit into men’s football gear?

Women have hips, men do not. Women have boobs, men should not. Obviously not all women are the same. As with any mans football team, the different positions on the field call for different types of players. Lineman are typically larger, receivers and defensive backs are typically tall and thin. Regardless of this, the bottom line is there has never been a day when I’ve put on my equipment and thought to myself “ya, this fits perfectly!”

Helmets were not made for ponytails. I have yet to figure out a way to tuck all my hair into my helmet so therefore I have to have it hanging out down my back. My hair is not that long, yet last game I had it yanked twice. I don’t think there is a rule in the book that says no hair grabbing, it is probably considered part of the uniform. I would hope that the yanks were not intentional and I would assume that not grabbing another’s hair would be common courtesy. This is football however and some players do not have the term “common courtesy” in their vocabulary.

Shoulder pads were not designed for larger breasted women. As a matter of fact, shoulder pads were not designed with women in mind what-so-ever. I am not ashamed to admit that I have a small chest and in this sport that is an advantage. If shoulder pads sometimes get uncomfortable on me I can’t even imagine how the “well-endowed” ladies handle it. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is “doesn’t it hurt when you get tackled?” At least my shoulder pads cover and protect me; for many others they do not.

Hip pads do not fit on our hips, thigh pads do not fit on our thighs. The pants were made for a bulge in the front not a rear in the back. The jerseys were made for thick necks and enormous biceps.

There is not one piece of equipment that has stopped me from going out and having fun. Like I said in the beginning, we have learned to overcome adversity. If someone is too concerned with how they look in a uniform maybe they should be a cheerleader rather than a football player. We go out and play with the cards we are dealt and love every minute of it.