The study by researchers from Flinders University set out to review existing data on interventions to engage female adolescents in organised sport, and to explore the different factors that influence their experience and decision making in sport.
“Despite a rigorous systematic search of more than 3000 articles, only five (globally) were found to have specifically examined ways to increase female adolescent participation in organised sport, demonstrating that this is a woefully under-researched area,” lead researcher James Kay says.
A PhD student in the university’s College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Kay says the distinct lack of literature on female adolescent sport participation “may go some way to explain why we see so many girls drop out of sport and never return”.
In Australia, as participants, coaches, officials, administrators, and board members, women are under-represented in organised sport when compared to men.
Despite the numerous benefits of sports participation, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced self-esteem, and better mental health outcomes, a staggering trend of disengagement persists among female adolescents.
Data indicates a dropout rate of approximately 60 per cent for girls aged 15 and older in Australia, demonstrating a significant disparity compared to their male counterparts, who see a 42 per cent reduction in participation.
The fact that this latest available data is from a 2016 study is yet more evidence of the dearth of information available about female adolescent participation.
“Factors contributing to the dropout include low confidence, societal pressures, body image concerns, and a lack of understanding regarding the impacts of the menstrual cycle on sports participation,” Kay says.
“Additionally, prevalent gender stereotypes often discourage girls from pursuing traditionally masculine sports, leading to further disengagement.”
The limited evidence-based research available shows that when interventions by schools or clubs take into consideration girls’ cultural and social norms, there is a greater engagement and retention of female adolescents.
Importantly, once they are engaged in a sport program and feel comfortable and on an equal footing with boys, the need for tailoring of activities is reduced.
With participation in professional womens’ sport at an all time high, due in no small way to the breakthrough into free-to-air coverage of women’s cricket, AFL, football (soccer), basketball, netball and more, it seems logical that a better understanding of their participation at a school level can only help to optimise future sports pathways.
“We need to more carefully consider the factors that contribute to female adolescent sport participation and find ways to better engage this population,” Kay says.
He advocates that there be more sporting offerings available to female adolescents that are equivalent in quality to that of their male counterparts.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be identical, but currently there is a wealth of organised sport options available to boys, and far less for girls as they progress through adolescence, resulting in a disproportionate rate of dropout,” Kay suggests.
“It is hoped that this review can provide a basis for more research in this area and also highlight some key elements that future participation programs may wish to consider and incorporate,” he adds.
