The experiences of women coaches in community sport

This study examined the experiences of community-level women coaches in three sports. Data collection included a content analysis of the policies and practices of each sport organisation in relation to the governance of sport coaching and their recruitment and support strategies for women coaches, semi-structured interviews with managers and staff who support their coaching workforce, and community-level women coaches. Data were analysed using an iterative reflexive thematic analysis process. We found a lack of representation of women in the governance of sport coaching that women coaches are on the periphery of the coaching ranks within sport clubs and face unique time pressures to pursue coaching roles. This study highlights how women coaches' experiences can be impacted by the behaviour of others. We conclude that there is a need for more purposeful and intentional interventions from state sport associations and community sport clubs to improve the experiences of women coaches.