You may not see Team USA on the ice at the women's hockey world championships, which begin on March 30, in Michigan.
Players on the U.S. women's national team are planning to boycott the tournament over what they consider pathetically low wages and a general lack of support from USA Hockey, the team's governing association.
The U.S. women's team went home with the silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Photo by Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Image.
The athletes are reportedly paid just $1,000 a month during the six-month Olympic residency period and "virtually nothing" the other 3.5 years between Olympic games — even though they continue to train and compete in other events. Astoundingly, many of the players hold second and third jobs to make ends meet.
Fortunately, it appears lots of other people — including a handful of powerful U.S. senators and stars on the U.S. men's team — are in the women's corner.
In response to the charges of unfair wages and benefits, Team USA players spread the word using the hashtag #BeBoldForChange.
The USWNT has taken to social media to show their solidarity with a "The players of the USWNT are ..." movement… https://t.co/aIWh6dDqL8— Women's Hockey Life (@Women's Hockey Life) 1490362787
Their many supporters followed suit.
Hannah Beckman, a New Jersey Rocket, wants to play on Team USA someday, but under much fairer circumstances.
Olympic medalist Julie Chu of the Les Canadiennes knows that taking a stand takes guts, and she's committed to standing strong.
I stand with the USWNT. Proud of your Courage and Vision for Now and FUTURE generations. #BeBoldForChange https://t.co/lp0uPUTD6G— Julie Chu (@Julie Chu) 1490396068
Johnny Laursen, who plays for the USA Warriors, a team made of wounded service members, said "silent is what [he] won't be."
Silent is what I won't be. The @USAWarriors proudly support the USA Women's National Team in their fight for equali… https://t.co/fByacanxIr— Johnny Laursen (@Johnny Laursen) 1490553052
Tennis champion Billie Jean King spoke out in support of equality too.
US Women's Hockey team is taking a stand for equality. Being a world class athlete should not be treated as a part time job.— Billie Jean King (@Billie Jean King) 1489679401
And Amanda Kessel, who plays on the women's team, said she's sitting this one out for all the younger players watching at home...
She said she wanted to be just like me, I told her, "be better." Taking a stand today for their tomorrow.… https://t.co/hST6CymCi9— Amanda Kessel (@Amanda Kessel) 1490475111
Players like Daria, a future hockey star.
Daria will #StandWithTheUSNWT because it's her future as a player at stake #BeBoldForChange Join us in showing your… https://t.co/rOspC7hw7i— 💔 (@💔) 1490395574
And Annie, who knows she can hang with boys on the ice too.
And every other girl who deserves better than the status quo.
We stand with the US National Team. #BeBoldForChange cc @usahockey https://t.co/9ZtiTkWEx8— Dr. Terri Gustafson (@Dr. Terri Gustafson) 1490633384
On March 27, the women's team gained a handful of other high profile supporters: 14 U.S. senators.
In a fiery letter to USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean, more than a dozen senators — including Elizabeth Warren, Dianne Feinstein, and Cory Booker — asked the organization hear out the players' demands and respond appropriately.
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images.
"We are disturbed by reports from the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team suggesting that USA Hockey is not providing 'equitable support' to female athletes," the senators wrote, noting the inequality goes far beyond a paycheck. "While USA Hockey provides its male athletes with a 'seemingly endless' supply of hockey equipment, for example, female players are often expected to 'buy their own.'"
Here is an excerpt from the full letter:
The U.S. Women's National Hockey Team has medaled in every Olympics since 1998, when Women's Hockey was first added as an Olympic Sport. The team has won gold medals at the IIHF World Championships for the past three years in a row. As Megan Duggan, team captain, announced last week, the women's team has "represented our country with dignity and deserves to be treated with fairness and respect." We urge you to resolve this dispute quickly to ensure that the USA Women's National Hockey Team receives equitable resources.
It appears as though USA Hockey hasn't taken the team's demands all that seriously thus far.
Last week, after players began announcing plans to sit out, the organization started reaching out to second- and third-tier players to fill the roster. In an act of solidarity, many of those athletes — including goalie Brittany Ott, whose tweet is below — have refused to step in and play.
Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I said no to USAH & will not play in the… https://t.co/dhrtCaOPUS— Brittany Ott (@Brittany Ott) 1490392333
News of the boycott has been rumbling online in recent weeks, as more and more groups — including athlete unions representing the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB — have spoken out in support of the women's team.
On March 26, athlete agent Allan Walsh reported the U.S. men's team might even boycott their world championship games in solidarity with the women's team.
They're scheduled to play in France and Germany in May.
Word circulating among NHL players that American players will refuse to play in men's World Championships in solidarity with the women.— Allan Walsh (@Allan Walsh) 1490554069
It's important to note that while athletes on the men's and women's teams are paid equally by USA Hockey, all of the men are NHL players — their paychecks from being on the national team is a drop in the bucket. It's a different story for the women.
As writer Jessica Luther pointed out online, if the men's team follows through with their own boycott, it's a great example of turning allyship into real action.
The women's boycott, however, may be avoidable if all goes well at a USA Hockey emergency board meeting being held on March 27.
Board members are expected to vote on a deal that reportedly includes significant wage increases and improved benefits for players.
"[Reaching a deal with better wages and benefits] is our chance to make history for every woman on the ice today and every little girl who's just lacing up her skates for the first time," women's team forward Hilary Knight explained to USA Today. "We're hopeful for them and for us that we'll get the change that is long overdue."
This article may be updated with information on the board meeting vote.
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12 non-threatening leadership strategies for women
We mustn't hurt a man's feelings.
Men and the feels.
Note: This an excerpt is from Sarah Cooper's book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings.
In this fast-paced business world, female leaders need to make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent.
One way to do that is to alter your leadership style to account for the fragile male ego.
Should men accept powerful women and not feel threatened by them? Yes. Is that asking too much?
IS IT?
Sorry, I didn't mean to get aggressive there. Anyhoo, here are twelve non-threatening leadership strategies for women.
Encourage.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When setting a deadline, ask your coworker what he thinks of doing something, instead of just asking him to get it done. This makes him feel less like you're telling him what to do and more like you care about his opinions.
Sharing ideas.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When sharing your ideas, overconfidence is a killer. You don't want your male coworkers to think you're getting all uppity. Instead, downplay your ideas as just "thinking out loud," "throwing something out there," or sharing something "dumb," "random," or "crazy."
Email requests.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pepper your emails with exclamation marks and emojis so you don't come across as too clear or direct. Your lack of efficient communication will make you seem more approachable.
Idea sharing.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
If a male coworker steals your idea in a meeting, thank him for it. Give him kudos for how he explained your idea so clearly. And let's face it, no one might've ever heard it if he hadn't repeated it.
Sexism.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you hear a sexist comment, the awkward laugh is key. Practice your awkward laugh at home, with your friends and family, and in the mirror. Make sure you sound truly delighted even as your soul is dying inside.
Mansplain.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Men love explaining things. But when he's explaining something and you already know that, it might be tempting to say, "I already know that." Instead, have him explain it to you over and over again. It will make him feel useful and will give you some time to think about how to avoid him in the future.
Mistakes.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pointing out a mistake is always risky so it's important to always apologize for noticing the mistake and then make sure that no one thinks you're too sure about it. People will appreciate your "hey what do I know?!" sensibilities.
Promotions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Asking your manager for a promotion could make you seem power- hungry, opportunistic, and transparent. Instead, ask a male coworker to vouch for you. Have your coworker tell your manager you'd be great for the role even though you don't really want it. This will make you more likely to actually get that promotion.
Rude.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Sometimes not everyone is properly introduced at the start of a meeting. Don't take it personally even if it happens to you all the time, and certainly don't stop the meeting from moving forward to introduce yourself. Sending a quick note afterward is the best way to introduce yourself without seeming too self-important.
Interruptions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you get interrupted, you might be tempted to just continue talking or even ask if you can finish what you were saying. This is treacherous territory. Instead, simply stop talking. The path of least resistance is silence.
Collaboration.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When collaborating with a man, type using only one finger. Skill and speed are very off-putting.
Disagreements.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When all else fails, wear a mustache so everyone sees you as more man-like. This will cancel out any need to change your leadership style. In fact, you may even get a quick promotion!
In conclusion...
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Many women have discovered the secret power of non-threatening leadership. We call it a "secret power" because no one else actually knows about it. We keep our power hidden within ourselves so that it doesn't frighten and intimidate others. That's what makes us the true unsung heroes of the corporate world.
About the Author: Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is a writer, comedian, and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Her new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings, is out now.
The comedic book cover.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
A satirical take on what it's like to be a woman in the workplace, Cooper draws from her experience as a former executive in the world of tech (she's a former Googler and Yahooer). You can get the book here.
This article was originally published on March 25, 2019.