Factors such as body type, pelvic structure, menstruation and the reproductive system are held as reasons for restricting or reducing female participation in sport. Notions of femininity influence views about how girls should be. This can create conflict for girls who participate in sports that require 'unfeminine behavior' and produce 'unfeminine bodyshapes'. Daphne Pirie remains active in Sport getting up early most mornings to train. There are other factors affecting the participation of girls.
Families play a big role in encouraging the socialisation of girls into sport.
When parents play sport themselves, the value they place on this provides a role model for children to follow. Daphne Pirie has been an elite athlete and she is now active in sports administration, including acting as vice president of the Queensland Olympic Council. Well, I have six brothers and one sister, so there are eight kids. We had an old Essex car and after Sunday School we used to go to the Milton Congregational Church and Dad would pick us up in the car and take us out to Kenmore or Brookfield, and that would be our Sunday afternoon outing. Eight kids and Mum in the car.