KEY POINTS:
A Massey University lecturer has won a Fulbright scholarship to the United States to research why so few woman become sports coaches.
Dr Sarah Leberman, who is Director of Sport for Massey, will spend four months studying at the Tucker Centre for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St Paul.
Dr Leberman said existing research focused on coaches at the elite level but little was known about why men still dominated in coaching sport.
"This is like the final frontier for women. Increasing numbers are making it to the top in business, in politics, academia and competing in sports but when it comes to coaching, sport administration and governance they are very much in the minority."
The reasons for this could include lack of role models and mentors, she said.
"There may also be a lack of confidence or issues with childcare that see fewer women managing and coaching sport.
"Little is known about the influence mothers have on children with respect to sport and their position as role models for children in sport," Dr Leberman said.
The aim of the Fulbright programme was to encourage the exchange of ideas between New Zealand and the United States.
"As sport plays a prominent role in the culture and economy of both countries it provides an excellent platform from which to start a positive dialogue."
Dr Leberman said she would also use the study award to explore findings in the US that related to women in decision-making roles in sport, and the barriers to women getting into these roles.
"This experience will enable me to integrate new learning into my research and sport management teaching, as well as my community work," she said.
- NZPA
