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Political Advocacy in Coaching — Why Engage? Advocacy, which the Nelson Canadian Dictionary defines as “the act of pleading or arguing in favour of something, such as a cause”, is an action that few women coaches engage in on their own behalf. Speaking out in support of their athletes, certainly; speaking out in support of themselves, rarely. In “Political Advocacy in Coaching — Why Engage?”, authors Rose Mercier and Dru Marshall argue that for women coaches to advance their own cause and “become optimally effective” — and consequently tap into a fairer share of coaching positions with commensurate remuneration, not to mention respect — they must learn to become better advocates of the considerable value they bring to sport. In the male-dominated, politically driven world of sport, no one else is going to do it for them. As Rose and Dru make clear, the focus of such advocacy is not whether men or women are better equipped to be coaches — clearly such a discussion is as outmoded as women athletes being barred from distance events because of potential damage to the reproductive process. Rather, it is about valuing the differences, especially in the vital area of communication, and recognizing the unique skills and benefits women coaches bring to their athletes. As well as explaining political advocacy, Rose and Dru provide a system map that guides the reader through the complexities of Canada’s sport system. Understanding the system within which you work is critical to your political effectiveness. The ability to advocate successfully is generally
not an intrinsic aptitude but requires knowledge imparted and skill
developed, and to this end, our authors urge that political advocacy
be made part of the curriculum of Canada’s coach education programs.
It’s a challenge the Journal
supports. Lend your voice and together we can
make a difference. — Sheila Robertson
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JULY 2005 Political Advocacy in Coaching — Why Engage? What is the circle of influence in sport? Download a PDF of this article click
here Print version of this article click here
Get on the email circulation list click here Publisher: Sheilagh Croxon, Consultant, Women in Coaching, Coaching Association of Canada Editor: Sheila Robertson Editorial
Board: Copy Editor: Heather Ebbs Translator: MATRA • gs Inc. © 2005 Coaching Association of Canada, ISSN 1496-1539 Coaching Association of Canada Web site by
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