The Future of Womens Sport: Built on foundations of stone or sand?

UKSCA Coach Considerations

Dr. Emma Ross's presentation at the UKSCA 2024 conference focused on a vital question: is the growth of women's sport built on sand or stone? As participation, media coverage, and revenue in women's sport surge, Dr. Ross warns that this progress risks collapse if we don’t adequately support the female athletes at its core. Drawing on over a decade of research and experience, Dr. Ross explains the importance of addressing female-specific physiological needs. She emphasises that while equality in resources—such as coaching and facilities—is essential, equity must also be considered. Female athletes require tailored approaches, particularly regarding menstrual health, nutrition, and injury prevention. Dr. Ross highlights the need for coaches and support staff to recognise and manage issues like pelvic floor dysfunction and menstrual irregularities to prevent long-term health consequences. She also discusses the challenge of changing entrenched mindsets and practices that treat male and female athletes the same. To build a sustainable future for women's sport, Dr. Ross called for a system where female athletes’ health and well-being are prioritised, ensuring they can perform at their best. This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.