Why do young women stop playing basketball? Results of an Australian Study

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ABSTRACT Research question The personal and public health benefits of life-long engagement in sport are well documented. Yet, basketball, like many sports, sees more females (unlike males) cease playing by the time they reach their mid to late teenage years. Using a case study, this paper aims to illuminate the underlying reasons why young women cease to play basketball. Research methods Using an anonymous questionnaire with closed and open questions, the study surveyed past and present female basketball players (232 respondents) in New South Wales (Australia) about their experience, their motivations to play, as well as the reasons they stopped (or contemplated stopping) playing the sport. Results and Findings The study found a drop-out rate, particularly in the U12-U14 age cohort with 31.1% before the could enter U16. The key inhibitors (and thus opportunities for corrective action) were the attitude and language of the coach, the lack of a welcoming team environment including bullying behaviour by coaches, team members and parents; and the lack of opportunities to play socially and with friends rather than purely competitively. Implications The study adds to the understanding of reasons why young women cease to play sport. It provides baseline data for follow up research to examine why young women dropping out of basketball continue with other sports and provides suggestions for changes to the playing environment (coaches, team dynamics) that can make a positive difference.