Does performance justify the underrepresentation of women coaches? Evidence from professional women's soccer. Issue 5 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gomez-Gonzalez, Carlos; Dietl, Helmut; Nesseler, Cornel
• Is Part Of: Sport management review. Volume 22:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 640
• Page End: 651
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Coaches -- Gender -- Performance -- Women's soccer; Sports administration -- Periodicals; 796.069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smr.2018.09.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1441-3523

Abstract

Highlights: The paper examines team performance in women's soccer in France, Germany and Norway. The gender of the coach does not have a significant influence on team performance. Previous playing experience of coaches does not play a part in team performance. Abstract: In this paper, the authors empirically analyze the influence of the gender of the coach on team performance in women's soccer leagues. Moreover, the authors examine the role of initial experience of coaches (as professional players) as an attribute that converges with gender diversity and influence performance. The sample includes the top divisions in France, Germany, and Norway from 2004 to 2017. The results from the regression model show that the gender of the coach is not a significant determinant of team performance (points per game). In addition, the initial experience of coaches does not alter the results. Therefore, managerial decisions of clubs with regard to the employment of coaches should not rely on gender.