Going on a ‘witch hunt’: investigating the lived experiences of women working in male team sports in regional Australia

Abstract

Male dominated team sports potentially provide many opportunities for women, through both voluntary and paid employment. However, very few studies focus on the experiences of women at a regional (or rural) level in sport. By examining the experiences of women working with male team sports at this level, insight into why women choose to be involved within male dominated sporting spaces can be explored, including the benefits and the barriers faced within these spaces. Such information is pertinent to the wider discussions relating to women in sport in Australia. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the lived experiences of female coaches, trainers, strappers, umpires, exercise scientists and administrators involved in regional male team sports in NSW. The lived experiences and perspectives of women working/volunteering in these sports (such as rugby league, Australian rules football, soccer and rugby union) will be explored using a third wave feminist lens.