Developing Female Leadership in the Canadian Sport System: Recommendations for High-Level Sport Organizations

Few would disagree with the contention that women’s leadership differs from that of men. Difference, of course, does not imply inferiority. Difference can be, and often is, positive. But because there are precious few examples of women leaders within the context of Canadian sport, there is, consequently, little opportunity to put women’s leadership to the test. Yes, of course, there are some exemplary role models. But a close examination of the administration, boards of directors, and committees of sport organizations reveals a lingering leadership imbalance, particularly when one factors in the recent outstanding, dominating performances of Canada’s women athletes and coaches on that great testing ground, the world stage.

What does women’s leadership mean and why does it matter? Most experts on the subject point to female leaders as possessing, more than their male counterparts, strong social and communication skills, a willingness to share information, a strong focus on positive working relationships, strength as team players, and tolerance of diversity. Surely each and every one of these aptitudes would invigorate our sport system. So why are relatively few women positioned in the upper echelons of Canadian sport?

In her timely analysis, Josée Martel brings to readers of the Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching a succinct and measured analysis of the situation, based on interviews with women who chose to place themselves in the direct line of fire and who have survived to make valuable contributions to sport in Canada.

Drawing from her assessment of the barriers to more equitable female leadership, Josée offers sport organizations seven well-reasoned recommendations that, if implemented, would change the face of Canadian sport for the better by drawing into the leadership ranks many more women who are skilled, committed, and able peers of the men currently running the system. In contrast to some of the narrow prescriptions of the past, Josée recognizes the importance of creating an atmosphere in which the sport community as a whole, with women and men working together, fashions a much more inclusive environment for the greater good of those who work so hard to bring honour to themselves and to their country: Canada’s athletes and coaches. — Sheila Robertson

The views expressed in the articles of The Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies of the Coaching Association of Canada.

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le Journal en français

JULY 2007
Vol. 7, No. 3
Front Page
CONTENTS

Developing Female Leadership in the Canadian Sport System: Recommendations for High-Level Sport Organizations

by Josée Martel

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