Are Women Coaches Twice as Likely to Face Bullying?

Women coaches in the UK are facing significantly higher rates of bullying and harassment compared to their male counterparts, according to a recent study involving 2,000 coaches. The research highlights a pressing need for cultural change within sports coaching, revealing that 30% of women reported experiencing bullying, while only 15% of men did. This disparity extends to harassment and aggression, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms to create a safer and more supportive environment for female coaches.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The findings from the study conducted by Women in Sport and Leeds Beckett University shine a light on the troubling experiences of women in coaching roles across the UK. The survey reveals that women are not only subjected to higher rates of bullying and harassment but also face structural inequalities that perpetuate these issues. The data indicates that as women advance in their coaching careers, the severity of bullying increases, suggesting a systemic problem in the sports coaching landscape.

Key takeaways

30% of women coaches reported bullying, compared to 15% of men.
21% of women experienced harassment, versus 12% of men.
Women are often in precarious job situations, working unpaid or on zero-hour contracts.

Timeline: how we got here

In recent years, awareness around gender inequality in sports coaching has grown, but formal studies highlighting these issues are still emerging. The current study's findings were made public in October 2023, furthering the conversation about systemic issues in sports coaching. This follows several initiatives aimed at improving gender representation in sports leadership over the past decade, but the recent findings indicate that much work remains to be done.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The study's results reveal alarming statistics about bullying and harassment rates among women in coaching, highlighting a stark contrast between the experiences of male and female coaches. The report also underscores the inadequacies of existing reporting mechanisms and the need for anti-misogyny policies in sports.

What was already established

Previous discussions around gender inequality in sports have highlighted similar themes, such as the lack of representation of women in leadership roles and the prevalence of informal work arrangements. However, the latest study quantifies these issues, providing concrete evidence of the challenges faced by women in coaching environments.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The findings have implications for sports participation at all levels, affecting not only coaches but also the athletes they mentor. If women feel unsafe or unsupported in coaching roles, it could deter girls and women from participating in sports, perpetuating gender disparities in sports and fitness.

Businesses and jobs

In the coaching sector, the study reveals that men are almost twice as likely to hold permanent full-time roles compared to women, who often find themselves in insecure positions. This disparity could influence the overall effectiveness and reputation of coaching organisations, potentially affecting recruitment and retention of talented coaches.

Policy and regulation

The report calls for urgent policy changes within sports governing bodies, including the establishment of anti-misogyny policies and gender-impact reporting. Such measures are essential to create a more inclusive and equitable coaching environment, ensuring that women can contribute to sports without fear of harassment or discrimination.

Numbers that matter

30% of women coaches reported experiencing bullying.
21% of women faced harassment compared to 12% of men.
22% of women encountered aggression or violence, compared to 19% of men.
46% of women in high-performance settings reported bullying.
Only 12% of women receive regular feedback in their roles.

Definitions and jargon buster

Bullying: Repeated aggressive behaviour that can involve an imbalance of power.
Harassment: Unwanted behaviour that causes distress or alarm.
Gender-impact reporting: Evaluating how policies affect different genders.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, sports organisations should start implementing anti-misogyny policies and conduct training sessions to raise awareness about bullying and harassment. Establishing a culture of reporting and support is crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next several months, organisations should evaluate their current practices and consider gender-impact assessments to identify areas for improvement. This includes developing transparent reporting mechanisms to encourage women to voice their concerns.

Signals to watch

Implementation of anti-misogyny policies across sports organisations.
Changes in the ratio of male to female coaching roles in sports.
Increased participation rates of women and girls in sports programmes.

Practical guidance

Do

Establish clear anti-harassment policies in coaching environments.
Encourage open discussions about bullying and its impact.
Provide ongoing training for all coaches on best practices for inclusivity.

Don’t

Ignore reports of bullying or harassment.
Assume that existing policies are sufficient without regular evaluations.
Allow a culture of silence to persist regarding harmful behaviours.

Checklist

Review existing anti-bullying policies for effectiveness.
Ensure reporting mechanisms are confidential and accessible.
Measure the gender balance in coaching roles bi-annually.
Provide feedback opportunities for all coaching staff.
Develop a support network for coaches experiencing harassment.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the findings of the study provide valuable insights, it is important to approach the data cautiously. The sample size, while significant, may not fully represent all coaching environments across the UK. Additionally, the willingness of individuals to report their experiences can vary based on personal circumstances and the perceived effectiveness of reporting mechanisms.

Bottom line

The study underscores a critical need for change in the sports coaching landscape in the UK. Women are facing disproportionate levels of bullying and harassment, which not only affects their careers but also the future of female participation in sports. Reforms must be implemented to create safe, equitable environments where all coaches can thrive.

FAQs

What percentage of women coaches experience bullying?

According to the study, 30% of women coaches reported experiencing bullying in coaching environments, significantly higher than the 15% reported by men.

What are the main sources of harassment for women in coaching?

The report indicates that fellow coaches are often the perpetrators of harassment against women, while aggression and intimidation frequently come from parents.

What can sports organisations do to support women coaches?

Sports organisations can implement anti-misogyny policies, establish trusted reporting mechanisms, and provide training to create a supportive coaching environment.