The female athlete--her structural, physiological, and psychological characteristics and capacities-- is the main focus of this book. It is designed to provide persons in positions of leadership in girls' and women's athletics greater insights and understanding regarding the nature of women athletes and to help structure wholesome sports programs for female athletes. The presentation is particularly geared to students with limited scientific background. Technical terms are explained when used, and a glossary is included. The material is approached in a practical manner with direct application to the more common problems encountered in sports by the female athlete. Current procedures dealing with injury--prevention, etiology, treatment, and physical restoration following injury--are presented in detail; however, the depth in which injury treatment is discussed is limited and only the most common problems are discussed. The uniqueness of woman in her responses to stress, both physiological and mental, is emphasized throughout the book. Recent concepts in the areas of training, exercise physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology and their application to the female in sports and athletics are presented in some detail. References to more comprehensive materials in various disciplines are given for the student desiring further explanation. The appendixes provide examples of forms for health history, medical examinations, athletic accident records; and lists of basic equipment for the training room, training room supplies, and suggested supplies for a basic training kit. (MM)