An Examination of the Reduction in the Number of Female Interscholastic Coaches

Abstract

Abstract A substantial reduction in the number of female interscholastic coaches has been reported since 1972. Based on initial work and drawing from the discipline of sociology, this study was designed to examine empirical data regarding why females have dropped out of interscholastic coaching roles. Prus' (1982) career contingencies model served as the theoretical framework for this study. Survey data were collected from 256 present and 105 former female interscholastic coaches. Factor analyses revealed differences between present and former coaches in the general patterns of reasons for entering and leaving coaching. A discriminant analysis indicated significant and specific differences between present and former coaches' reasons for entering and leaving coaching careers revealing differing sets of values and orientations toward coaching.