Women’s Barriers to Becoming and Being a Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach

Background: The role of a strength and conditioning (S&C) coach is multifaceted. It involves working directly with athletes to develop physical qualities, help prevent injuries and improve athletic prowess. This role is a vital part of the coaching process, which has led to increases in the number of people who seek employment in the field. The UK strength and conditioning association (UKSCA) reported in 2018 that there are 750 members who are accredited coaches. However, only 7 (!) percent of those are women (Medlin-Silver et al. 2017). Clearly, female coaches are almost completely absent in S&C, especially at the elite-level. Aims: To explore women’s perceptions and attitudes towards becoming a S&C coach in predominantly male dominated sports and to identify specific reasons for women’s marginalisation in the sector. Methods: We have carried out an exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with 15 female S&C coaches (Mean age=29.7; SD=6.03), with a minimum of 2 years’ experience of coaching males and females (Mean= 9.2; SD = 6.35). Participants have worked in the UK (n=10), America (n=3) and Australia (n=2). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analysed using thematic coding and key themes identified form the spine of the discussion. Results: Participants noted three main challenges that they have faced. Those include: organizational politics, impression management of gender identity and work-life balance. All of these acted as barriers to reaching higher leadership positions or to secure S&C employment in other sports. A coping mechanism that emerged to deal with the above challenges was the use of humour, specifically banter to create buy-in. Conclusion: The S&C profession is extensively influenced by sociocultural forces that promote hegemonic masculinity. Women feel that they have to become ‘honorary men’ to prove their competence. Specific education programmes to support women in S&C is recommended for the industry to reduce gender gap.