Author(s): OLIVEIRA DIAS, V., CALLEJA-GONZÁLEZ, J., FONT-LLADÓ, R., LÓPEZ-ROS, V., AREDE, J., PINTO, G., CUNHA, L., DOUKA, S., AVELAR ROSA, B., LEITE, N., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE DE TRÁS-OS-MONTES E ALTO DOURO, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 456

INTRODUCTION:
Gender inequality has a significant impact on sporting world, leading to various challenges and consequences. In coaching, women face persistent barriers and inequities throughout their careers. To gain a deeper insight into the under-representation of women in sports coaching, framing the Female Sport Coaching Training Programme (FEMCoach) project a survey was conducted. This study aimed to assess the needs of women sport coaches during practice by analysing their perspectives on key topics to be included in coaching educational programmes.
METHODS:
The study collected and analysed survey data from 227 women coaches representing 16 countries, various sports and competitive levels. Coaches completed a 40-question online survey, divided into seven topics: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) the inclusion environment for sports practice, (3) coach professional activities, (4) menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and pregnancy/childcare, (5) barriers for females in sport, (6) coaches’ courses, and (7) gender differences.
RESULTS:
The majority of coaches feel that there is a stigma related to menstrual cycle [59% (±5%)] and pregnancy/childcare [71% (±5%)] and approximately half [52% (±5%)] believe in a stigma related to hormonal contraception. Regarding the presence of these topics in coaches’ educational process the majority [73% (±5%)] considered that they were not approached enough, agreeing most coaches [93% (±3%)] that these programmes should be more expanded to cover it. Also, approximately half [53% (±5%)] feel that pregnancy is a sensitive topic regarding the future of their athletes.
The majority of coaches [57% (±5%)] believe that the cultural values associated with sports made some men believe that coaching belong to them, and during their practice have experienced a sense of obligation to show their coaching abilities to a person of a different gender [70% (±5%)] with most of them [80% (±4%)] believing that women coaches sometimes face discrimination and/or mistrust. Approximately half [52% (±5%)] don’t feel prepared or would like to have more knowledge, to deal with questions of gender identities among their athletes and most of them [77% (±5%)] recognize different opportunities for coaches between genders.
In open-ended questions coaches pointed to a lack of content on equity, identity, and female biology in existing coaching curricula.
CONCLUSION:
The findings suggest that coaching educational programmes can serve as a vital tool in promoting gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for coaches. To achieve this, programmes must incorporate topics related to female biology, gender identity, and effective communication.
While acknowledging its limitations, this survey study provides valuable contextual information and practical insights for designing coaching educational programmes that support women coaches and athletes. Ultimately, these findings contribute to fostering greater gender equality in sports coaching.