Ninth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

In recent years, gender-based violence in athletics has gained national attention. Often, these conversations have focused on athletes as perpetrators, and the institutions that house them as toxic structures. Most conversations have neglected the role that athletic officials play in reinforcing problematic gender norms and gender-based violence, both directly and indirectly. This presentation will focus on the beliefs, attitudes, actions, and reactions that make it difficult, if not impossible, for athletic officials to take a key role in preventing gender-based violence. The findings of this mixed-methods study highlight the barriers that athletic officials face in tackling these issues with their colleagues, coaches, and athletes.