Author(s): BAHDUR, K., OLAFSSON, K., Institution: LUNEX UNIVERSITY, Country: LUXEMBOURG, Abstract-ID: 1772

Introduction
Female participation in elite sport is growing. However, opportunities in elite sport for female coaches remain limited. Recognizing what obstacles, they face is essential for fostering equality. Lack of opportunities to reach the top might also be a factor in decreased retention of qualified and experienced female coaches. This study looked at barriers facing progression to elite sport and reasons for drop-out in female coaches.
Methods
An online questionnaire was completed by 42 female coaches from 15 Olympic sports. Respondents were from 15 countries across three continents. Questions regarding whether 22 factors were significant barriers to progress to elite sport were included. These factors were based on personnel, gender stereotypes, coaching/life relationships, support and financial components. Respondents also indicated whether 13 possible reasons contributed to sport drop out. These included elements related to authority, support, safety, opportunity and resources. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify obstacles for progression and elements contributing to drop out.
Results
Gender-related factors including gender stereotypes during recruitment (65%) and the perception that females don’t make successful coaches (48%) were identified as major obstacles. Help with maintaining a work/life balance (63%) was also a key barrier. Interviewers are likely to select candidates like them (48%) and the lack of headhunters seeking female candidates (45%) also highlight bias within the recruitment system. Coaches also indicates that women don’t pursue opportunities as aggressively as male counterparts (55%). Lack of support from federations (79%) was the main identified reason for dropping out. This was followed by financial related concerns included that the roles for female coaches tend to be volunteer positions (66%) and there is a lack of sustainable financial reward (79%). Female coaches also feel they lack a voice (53%), and authority (53%) in decision-making.
Discussion
Barriers to progress to elite sport had very little consensus with only 3 factors identified by more than 50% of coaches. This shows that the industry is not homogenous and further characteristics other than gender must also be considered when identifying trends. Support has not been qualified here but also does include financial support which has also been separately identified. Volunteer positions often can result in added costs associated by the coaches. Lack of financial sustainability also contradicts what is often a role that requires large time commitments. Coaching success also requires the voice and authority of the coach to be respected. When this is lacking it can create the belief that the coach has not earned the right to the position, or they lack the expertise and ability and are there only to make up numbers. Understanding these factors can help lead to adjustments in organization culture and result in equity for female coaches.