According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) 1998-1999 survey, over 2.6 million girls participated in high school athletics compared with 3.8 million boys. The NFHS began keeping records in 1971, when fewer than 300,000 girls participated in high school athletics and 3.6 million boys competed.
The NFHS surveys reveal an increase of nearly 2.3 million in girls' high school sports participation in the last 30 years. This dramatic increase is due largely to Title IX, which was passed in 1972 and prohibits discrimination against girls and women in federally-funded education, including in athletics programs.
John Gillis, NFHS administrator said that girls' participation ought to continue increasing in the 21st Century because their opportunities will continue to rise.
Media Resources: Toledo Blade - January 1, 2000 and Feminist Majority Foundation