An analysis of the multi-level factors affecting the coaching of elite women athletes. Issue 5 (3rd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Haan, Donna; Sotiriadou, Popi
• Is Part Of: Managing sport and leisure. Volume 24:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2019-09-03
• Subjects: High-performance sport systems -- elite women athletes -- coaching -- rowing; Leisure -- Management -- Periodicals; Leisure -- Management; Periodicals; 796.069
• DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2019.1641139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2375-0472

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Rationale/Purpose: High-performance sport systems offer athletes access to a range of experts including excellent coaches. This study examines the macro-, meso- and micro-level factors associated with coaching elite women athletes within a high-performance sport system. Design/methodology/approach: This research was underpinned by constructionism and critical feminism. The data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 international male elite rowing coaches with experience in coaching men and women athletes and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The data shows that at the micro-level, coaches differentiate their practices based on the gender of the athlete. These practices are influenced by meso-level factors (perceived value of sport participated by women) and shaped by macro-level factors (socio-cultural background of the coaches). Practical implications: Coaches' socio-cultural experiences influence their construct of gender and affect their approach to coaching women athletes. Hence identifying macro-level factors can help managers understand coaches' perspectives, philosophy and practice at a micro-level. Research contribution: The use of a multi-level approach to examine the factors associated with coaching elite women athletes offers a unique holistic approach to understanding how multi-level factors affect the coaching of women athletes.