Big Sky Conference schools are split on the official position statement by the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics that the use of male undergraduate students as practice players in women’s intercollegiate athletics violates the spirit of gender equity and Title IX.

As tension builds and arguments continue on whether men’s practice players should be allowed to participate in NCAA women’s basketball practices, sides are clearly divided.

Leading scorer this season for the Hornets, senior guard Kim Sheehy said she never practiced against male players, but doesn’t think there’s a problem with it.

“I’m for it. Obviously guys are quicker and stronger. It can boost our game playing with them. I think there should be a certain amount of time for guys during the week, and there should be times when you just focus on the team. When you’re just working on fundamentals, there is no need for guys to be there,” Sheehy said.

Title IX is the gender equity act within the NCAA. While some believe male practice players are in complete violation, others believe involving men in practice helps to improve women’s skills.

During Sacramento State women’s basketball coach Dan Muscatell’s time at the University of Oregon, he said he had men’s practice players on his team.

“I’d prefer to have them. The guys we had practice with us wanted to be a part of the team, and did anything they were asked of to help. No one ever stood out and didn’t get reps because the guys were there.”

Muscatell said his team hasn’t used men’s practice players since he’s been here at Sac State. Muscatell hasn’t pursued the issue as much as he liked to, but is definitely something he’d like to pursue.

There has been no legislation or permanent ruling on the matter, said Jennifer Kearns, Associate Director of Public and Media Relations for the NCAA. The CWA is just one committee among many NCAA committees addressing the issue. Surveys are still being distributed and the topic is being researched by several of these groups.

The CWA’s position is that male practice players can do more harm than good and at times discriminate against female players. The CWA argues that teams with no depth or injuries do not need men to practice in any form. They bring up the point that since Title IX was enacted in 1972, huge steps have been made in women’s athletics without the need of men.

The CWA’s stance on the issue has caused controversy and has split opinions throughout not only the Big Sky conference, but the nation as a whole. The rule at question is how much can practice players be used or should they be used at all. Portland State Athletic Director Teri Mariani said factors affect each situation differently and that if a team has no depth, starters going against wimpy practice opposition aren’t going to improve.

“I’d rather see some sort of limitation versus a total ban. Some schools don’t have enough players, or are hit with injuries. There are times when men’s practice players can be used, and used properly,” Mariani said.

The only restrictions at Division I on male practice players are they must be a full-time student, have eligibility under the five-year law, and practice players can’t receive aid from any other form of athletics and still practice with the team. A practice player already on a collegiate team is also prohibited. Practice players aren’t allowed to benefit from housing, financial aid or anything else from practicing with the team, but it is still allowable for an institution to provide practice apparel to male students for the purpose of practicing with a women’s team.

“I don’t want to see them ban it,” said Portland State women’s basketball coach Charity Elliot. “My only concern is that some coaches abuse it. Some players don’t get the reps they need if they are just sitting on the sideline. Coaches brought players there to develop. When used correctly, men’s practice players can be very beneficial in developing your team and helping with strength and agility. Bringing in a couple guys a few times a week — there is no reason to restrict that.”

The varying difference of opinion between players, coaches and administrators is going to be interesting when this proposal is voted on at all NCAA division levels at a future date.

As of right now, the use of male practice players is at the coach’s discretion. Many schools do not use them at all.

Idaho State Athletic Director Paul A. Bubb said male practice players take away opportunities for women to participate in sports in conjunction with Title IX.

“The argument is counterproductive — not allowing women to participate. More women are needed to develop better skills. I do not support the use of men’s practice players,” Bubb said.

When Title IX was first put into place, women coached more than 90 percent of women’s teams, According to the CWA. Now, only 42.4 percent are actually coached by women. Men coach 82.3 percent of all intercollegiate teams. Women coach only 17.7 percent.

The CWA also found that in the last 15 years, on average women’s team sizes have continued to grow. This is what the CWA’s position is based on — if men are used in practice, they will be taking up valuable time for that 14th or 15th player on the roster.

The game of women’s basketball has come a long way in the past 10 years, Muscatell said and a big reason for that were male practice players.

“The commitment those guys made (at Oregon) was unbelievable,” Muscatell said. “The other thing I can tell you is I know for a fact each of the players we used gained an unbelievable level of respect for our players. Each one of them has become a positive spokesman for women’s basketball.”

Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected]