She'll Be ‘Right… but Are They? An Australian Perspective on Women in High Performance Sport Coaching

Abstract

Participation and media coverage of women in high-performance sport has been steadily increasing in recent years throughout the world. While this increase in interest has led to many young women and girls becoming involved in grassroots sport, there has yet to be a significant change in the number of women in coaching roles, particularly at the high-performance level. This paper synthesizes and summarizes the current challenges facing women sport coaches in Australia, drawing from existing research, media and government reports to understand the barriers for women entering and progressing in these roles. We also present some of the more recent initiatives to increase opportunities for women in high performance coaching. Within Australia, there is a need to (1) understand the pipeline for women coaches, (2) examine the interacting contexts and constraints that women are subject to within sporting organizations, and (3) create a preliminary framework for future research, outreach, and education to address gender inequity within Australian sport coaching.

Barriers, supports and constraints on women coaching in tennis

“…Previous research has identified lower salaries, poorer working conditions and job insecurities as inequities facing women coaches. 2,13 The participants reported that coaching roles are often akin to casual-based work and may not provide sick leave, maternity leave or superannuation, 1 When you shift into the stage of life for me, you're wanting to get a better car, wanting to save up for a house or having to pay your own bills or rent or whatever that may be doesn't offer that security, well it didn't for me. It's very weather dependent so if it was raining you didn't get paid.…”

“…It is widely acknowledged that there are many benefits of women in sport leadership positions (e.g. coaching roles), 1,2 most notably, their capacity to act as visible role models for women and young girls. Given the importance of women coaches in sport, it is essential to understand the factors that may support or inhibit their engagement with the tennis coaching profession.…”