Let me start by saying I HATE STUPID PEOPLE. Any person that would object to "ladies" is a stupid person. What does the coach call them? I seriously doubt that she says, "nice job, players!" when they play good defense. As far as I can tell, to call a female a "lady" has never been patronizing or derogatory in the history of the world. Only until recent history has it even been considered generic. To me, it is a polite term of respect.
For the record, I always refer to females as ladies, and males as gentlemen when I am on the court. Although, I still say "Yes sir" and "Yes ma'am," and have drawn critcism from people for that as well.
To follows Z's point, one should try to be as succinct as possible. I use the above guidelines only when I must address the players.
[Edited by drothamel on Jul 11th, 2005 at 04:32 PM]
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