Embedded in our society is the ideal that women are subordinate to men and, therefore, are not entitled to the same rights as men. This attitude is not something new, but rather something that has trickled down from generation to generation, promoting the subordination of women. Women have fought and still continue to fight for equality in all aspects of life. Women still strive to gain acceptance among their male counterparts, when acceptance (equality) does not exist in the workplace. A few decades back, women were thought of as menial objects, only capable of holding "woman's work" or jobs within the home. Woman's work consisted of taking care of the home and family. More recently, society has learned to accept the fact that women can hold jobs outside of the home. Now those women that are in the workforce still continue to face discrimination as to the careers that they may hold. This is due in part to man's fear of woman taking his place in careers suitable for man in this society. Men do not want to see women flourish in a male-dominated arena, such as the workforce. That is why it is so important for women to strive for excellence in their quest for equality i

In efforts to show that women do deserve the opportunity to officiate at men's collegiate football games, the NCAA decided to give a whistle one woman in the 2002-2003-football season. This decision made Annice Canady the first woman ever to officiate a Division I (I-AA) football game. Canady was surprised by this decision, just like the rest of the sports world (Barrowitz). This was a major step for women to participate in officiating collegiate football. Canady has over 10 years officiating experience in football and last year she made her collegiate debut on the Division III level (MEAC Sports...). Her experience proves that she has the ability to referee collegiate football games, despite her sex. When asked about her feelings on how it feels to be the first woman to coach a collegiate football game, Canady stated, " I really haven't thought about that point. I just love the game of football and I just want to be the best official possible (MEAC Sports...)."

Some individuals still have concerns with the players, coaches, and fans who may take the opportunity to "test" the women referees"(ESPN). These individuals are going to push and push in an attempt to make the women cave under pressure. For example, one critic was quoted as saying, "They told me, 'Go back to the kitchen. Go nurse a baby,' worse stuff than that,'' she said." (Iacobelli). Although I respect everyone's opinions, the comments that these critics made about women refereeing in the NCAA were ignorant and rude. The critics comments were a cowardly attempt to shatter woman's self- confidence in one's self. Because of individuals like this, Annice is subject to stricter scrutiny from people who share the same ideals as the critics. Surprisingly, Canady's easiest acceptance came from the players who call her "Ms Ref," "Auntie," or "Mom (Iacobelli).""They're ready to knock a man down on the ground, but if they push me, they say, 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry,' and are apologetic," she said (Iacobelli).

Although, Canady has the qualifications to referee in the NCAA, the question

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Approximate Word count = 1384
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)