Breaking Gender Boundaries in SportWhen women and men participate in sports dominated by the opposite sex, there is often overwhelming opposition to individuals who challenge the norm. Women are often the people who try to participate in so-called non-traditional sports. But just as importantly, men are struggling against similar resistance. An example of this is when men participate on female-dominated field hockey teams, creating positive and negative implications for the game and also socially. However, individuals who cross gender boundaries in any sport are helping pave the way for equality in a sector of our society that is still tied to traditional sexual roles. Field hockey was historically introduced to women in the United States. But this game, born in Europe and played practically all over the world, is also played by men. The anomaly of only women playing field hockey is a problem only in the United States and has led to the recent controversy over male participation on all women's teams from elementary school through the college level. Although Title IX requires that both males and females be given equal opportunities to participate in sports, the debate over the costs and benefits of this statute is still heated. Those who oppose men's participation in field hockey argue that their presence on the field will change the nature of the "women's" game. The greater strength of men could make the game more aggressive or even violent and potentially overwhelm the female athletes participating alongside them. There is a valid, long-standing claim that female participation in sport provides an arena in which girls and women can empower themselves and gain confidence as they face life's battles. Many people see men as a threat to this value, suggesting that the presence of a man on the court could intimidate women, thereby dominating the game and taking away a safe place for girls to grow and find their strengths. Another argument in opposition to men's participation in field hockey, as well as other female-dominated sports, is in line with the idea of ​​equality. It is suggested that despite Title IX, women have yet to achieve gender equality and still do not receive the benefits that their male counterparts receive. Therefore, male participation in traditionally female sports would provide men with opportunities that women are still struggling for.