Fixing the Scoreboard: Why Sports Records Matter

The Education Department has called for an important fix. "Erased" sports records of girl athletes back to female athletes. The push comes after President Trump signed an executive order to ban transgender women from women's sports. The NCAA and the NFHS have been urged to make these records accurate. For years, records were made inaccurate when biologically male athletes competed in female sports. There were even investigations into Title IX violations. The change in the NCAA's policies came a week after the order. The NCAA now limits women's sports competition to those assigned female at birth. The Education Department has a clear task. They want to "right this wrong" and champion the achievements of female collegiate athletes. Schools have been "strongly encouraged" to make sure their athletic records are correct. The idea is to ensure women athletes get the credit they deserve. Riley Gaines was an important voice for women. She tied with Lia Thomas in the 200-meter women's NCAA championship. She praised the Education Department's push for accuracy in athletic records. People often think about fairness in sports. But, what about the female athletes who have felt overlooked? Some might argue, how much power can a president actually have over sports? Who decides what is fair? Sports records can mean a lot to athletes. Many athletes have fought for the right to compete fairly. These records are a big deal. They are a way to honor achievement. But, accuracy is critical. Recreation and School sports aren't just games. They are important moments in the lives of many young athletes. This situation brings up more questions. Can the athletes of the past be "rewarded" for what they experienced? Are these records enough to fix the problems of the past? Is it fair to bring up issues from the past? This is a complex issue. Sports are about more than fairness. Sports are about equality and inclusion.