My great-granddaughter is over 6 feet tall and weighs over 185 pounds. She is a girl. Her physique comes from my husband’s side of the family. Our son is over 6 feet tall. However, I am just over 5 feet and weigh about 110 pounds. There is no way someone my size can feel comfortable taking on someone my great-granddaughter’s size. There are small girls and boys and big girls and boys. This whole sports discussion ought to be based on size classes: divisions for up to 140 pounds (both boys and girls), 140 to 165, 165 to 200 and over 200. These weight guidelines are already in use at many wrestling competitions.

When small kids see what looks like giant competition to them, they are intimidated by the sheer size — unless they are some kind of super person. A girl who is 5 feet 2 inches tall isn’t as readily going to try out playing against a 6-foot-tall girl.

So, while the news is about the trans athlete, think of all the small people who never even tried out because of their size. And, this holds especially for smaller boys. How many of them, who might love to try out, are defeated in mind by all the size of all the muscular bigger guys? If the local student had been trying out for basketball, there probably would not have been any comment.

Size divisions would allow both small boys and girls to compete on a level playing field no matter who made it to the team.

Jan Roberson
Harpswell