Women's Experiences of Becoming Elite Track and Field Coaches in New Zealand

Abstract

Elite coaching is predominantly a male vocation with many of New Zealand’s most successful women’s teams being coached by men, such as the national women’s rugby and hockey teams. Research has identified a number of individual, organisational, and structural constraints to women’s progression in coaching. The aim of this study was to examine women’s experiences of becoming elite coaches within track and field in New Zealand. The focus was on professional development, and how this was managed; by the coach; the national organisation; or a combination of both. The study gained insight into the complexities associated with women becoming elite coaches; specifically, the complexities associated with professional development for women elite coaches within New Zealand’s gendered coaching environment. The methods used in the study were face to face semi structured interviews with three participants who are elite coaches. Two themes around professional development emerged. Firstly, professionalism in coaching and secondly, Athletics New Zealand’s professional development and support. The study showed there were several understandings by the participant coaches in regard to both professionalism and Athletics New Zealand’s professional development and support. Within New Zealand’s gendered track and field elite coaching community, men are privileged over women. This research found that within this community there is little sharing of knowledge or support from the professional coaches, with the participants preferring to gain their knowledge and support from their global networks.