At an early age, girls traditionally have been taught other things while boys have learned sports. That could change over time, but now it is difficult to fill the quota. Also, the mandate doesn't consider factors that can vary from one school to another. Twenty-five percent of the girls enrolled at Jackson High School are pregnant or already have babies, for example. One-third of female freshmen there are ineligible to compete because they are overage two years or more.
Some girls choose to work part time instead of trying out for athletics.
That should not be discouraged. Those jobs teach them work skills that in later life they can parlay into good-paying careers, particularly if they finish school. Girls should have a choice between working and playing sports. That choice should be made by the girl herself, with some input from her parents. If she believes her interests would be better served by a job instead of sports, or if she wants to spend the extra time studying, the boys at her school should not be punished for her decision.