yes I have had the attempted insult of being called a woman in a game.Senior high school boys-I made a call on their star player and the coach yells across the court"don't worry Mark,its only a woman's call"I immediatly gave the T saying "and I guess that one is too coach."I gave the T because he was heard by the crowd and it was personal in that he was using the word as a putdown.We are instructed to respond to anything personal in this way.
As a referee I find players/coaches etc will attempt to get into my head as a "gray shirt"then they will focus on me being a female.
If I don't like the heat I can retire or I can just ignore their ignorance.What they don't seem to realise is that calling me a woman is not an insult.
NZ males tend to use the putdown of "girl"to their players or friends"what do you mean you can't run ?you are such a girl"have another drink what are you a girl?"
In every walk of life we will face sexist pigs-thankfully that generation is lessening(natural attrition)and it is easier for the next lot coming through.Yes, I came through the 70's but realistically we can't keep reacting to every perceived small insult from our collegues or else we perpetuate the stereotypes.
I am not suggesting completing ignoring and will always jump on anything for a younger female especially if I think it is an older male attempting to be funny but for myself?I can't change years of ingrained beleifs so prefer to treat with disdain.
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