Is it right for a man to play a sport that was originated for men? Field hockey is a sport that is offered at many schools for both  middle and high schools. Field hockey has been a men’s Olympic sport since the 1908 Olympic Games in London. All levels of field hockey take part in competitive games with other teams. Over time, field hockey became a female dominated sport in the United States albeit it was originated by men and women were not allowed to play. 

Many schools and teams believe that men shouldn’t be allowed to play on a team that is mostly female. Others disagree, and think that belief is discriminatory and unfair. Field hockey is a game that is dependent on communication and teamwork, not only physical ability. I firmly believe that men should be able to play field hockey, and their addition should be welcomed. Similarly, a team’s ability is not determined by one particular player, male or female; it is determined by effort and teamwork. Even if a handful of men wanted to play field hockey on their school team, they would not be able to. Many schools, including Hackley, do not provide an option of a men’s field hockey team. If men cannot play on a “female team”, then they cannot at all.  

An opposing argument against men playing is that men have a “physical advantage” and it could be potentially “dangerous”.  It is true that males typically have proportionately more muscle mass, more bone mass, and a lower percentage of body fat than women, but that does not necessarily make them dangerous or have an advantage. The ability to play field hockey does not happen overnight, it takes work and determination. Both men and women playing field hockey have the same potential and capability to become skilled at the sport. Even a man is “stronger” does not mean he can master all different types of hits, passes, or moves. 

This belief that men are stronger is misogynistic, and sets women back thousands of years. We should be building each other up, rather than down which is why this exclusion and this belief is not okay.