Addressing the Shortage of Women in High-Performance Sport: What Is Known and What We Need to Know

The aim of this scoping review was to identify the attributes that have led female leaders and coaches to be successful in high-performance (HP) sport and uncover what may be missing elements aiding women wishing to advance in HP sport. To date, most research has focused on addressing the shortage of women in sports from the organizational perspective. This study investigates the challenges, and coping skills women have encountered on an individual level. Drawing attention to the skills and experiences of women who have been successful in attaining and maintaining their role in HP sport has the potential to help others advance in the field. Abstract screening (n = 411) and full-text reviews (n = 25) resulted in the inclusion of 16 studies. Included studies were conducted in the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe, giving this review broad worldwide scope. Several areas of interest were revealed during data analysis: the challenges these women face working in the male dominated world of sport, how they faced and overcame those challenges and have maintained their role in HP sport, and the connectivity that has been established as a support mechanism for women in a leadership role. Lastly, these women discussed competency and knowledge of the sport as an important aspect of their tenure. What is absent from the literature, and exemplified in these data, is a clearly defined pathway into HP sport for the competent and knowledgeable female leader. The specific steps she can take are yet to be defined.