Most college coaches don't understand Title IX.

Before Title IX was passed in 1972 requiring gender equity in schools that get federal funds, only 2% of college athletes were women. Today the figure is over 40%. But although the law brought remarkable changes, it remains poorly understood and inconsistently enforced.

Two researchers found a disconnect between coaches' actual knowledge of Title IX and what they think they know. Amazingly, this held true regardless of gender or division.

They are Dr. Ellen Staurowsky, professor and graduate chair of the department of sport management and media at Ithaca College NY, and Dr. Erianne Weight, assistant professor of sport management at Bowling Green State University OH.

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They discussed their research at the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators meeting in Fort Worth TX in October.

They sent surveys to 4,500 …