10 Facts About AIAW

The AIAW functioned in the equivalent role for college women's programs that the National Collegiate Athletic Association had been doing for men's programs.

AIAW developed from the CIAW in recognition of the need for institutional membership and elected representation.

Formation of the AIAW was approved by the DGWS Council and the AAHPER Board of Directors in 1971, but the CIAW continued to operate until early 1972, at which time the AIAW officially came into existence, with over 280 schools as members.

For example, student-athletes playing in AIAW programs were allowed to transfer freely between schools, and to prevent unfair advantages, programs were initially forbidden to offer scholarships and recruit off-campus.

The AIAW continued the rules established by the CIAW, which were intended to prohibit unethical practices that were observed in men's sports.

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The AIAW was not without criticism however, as some outsiders and individual members complained that the association devoted too much time, efforts, and funds securing distinction and independence from the NCAA.

The AIAW started to take advantage of corporate sponsorships and television payouts not unlike its male counterpart, but on a smaller scale.

The recently formed AIAW responded, hiring a lawyer, Margot Polivy, to fight the Tower Amendment.

The AIAW had fought for women's rights in the Title IX battle, while the NCAA had opposed those efforts.

Several AIAW championships were televised by the TVS Television Network in 1979.