The 1950s mark an important point of departure in the evolution of physical education, as degree programs for teachers of physical education began to proliferate and physical education quickly became an area of increased research activity and redefinition leading to the emergence of specialized areas of study and university degree specializations in areas such as biomechanics and exercise physiology. As research funding and specialization spread in these areas, programs of physical education devoted to the preparation of teachers receded in appeal. As they did, what Kirk labels physical education as sports technique became a dominant understanding and practice in many quarters (Kirk 2010). Notable exceptions throughout history notwithstanding, it was not until the passing of Title IX in the USA in 1972 that we see large-scale support for physical education and competitive sport for females, although Nilges has cast doubt on the genuinely emancipatory nature of Title IX (Nilges 2006, 79). There also now exists a keen awareness of the role of physical education for those with physical and other challenges.