The study reveals a gap in the sports of girls, contributing to low participation rates

Researchers at the University of Flinders say it is urgent to encourage more girls to participate in sports, following a new study that reveals a striking lack of research on girls’ sport.

A new study in Sport in society Journal has decided to review existing data on interventions to start adolescents in organized sport and explore the various factors that influence their experience and decision -making in sport. THE paper is entitled “Organized Interventions for Sports Engagement for Adolescents: a Systematic review Use the sports system for young people. “”

“Despite a rigorous systematic research of more than 3,000 articles, only five (worldwide) were specifically examined by means of increasing the participation of adolescents to women in organized sport, demonstrating that it is an area Terribly sub-studied, “explains James Kay of the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.

“The distinct lack of literature on the participation of women in adolescents can explain why we see so many girls abandoning sport and never come back,” he warns.

In Australia, women are under-represented in organized sport– As participants, coaches, civil servants, administrators and members of the board of directors, although in relation to their male cohort.

Despite the many advantages of sporty Participation – as better cardiovascular health, improved self -esteemAnd better results in mental health – an amazing tendency of disengagement persists in adolescents.

Recent data indicate a abandonment rate About 60% for girls aged 15 and over in Australia, demonstrating a significant disparity compared to their male counterparts, who see a 42% reduction in participation.

“The factors contributing to abandonment include low confidence, societal pressures, body image problems and a lack of understanding concerning the impacts of the menstrual cycle on sports participation,” explains Mr. Kay.

“In addition, spreading gender stereotypes often discourage girls from pursuing traditional male sports, leading to additional disengagement.”

Limited research based on evidence shows that when school or club interventions take into account cultural girls and social normsThere is a greater commitment and a retention of adolescents.

Above all, once they are engaged in a sports program and feel comfortable and on an equal footing with boys, the need to sew activities is reduced.

“We must examine more carefully the factors that contribute to the participation of women in adolescents and to find ways to better engage this population,” he said.

“We have to see sports offers available to female adolescents which is equivalent to quality to that of men. This does not necessarily mean that they must be identical, but currently there are a multitude of organized sports options available for boys, and much less for girls as they progress through adolescence, which leads to A disproportionate drop -down rate.

“We hope that this review will be able to provide a basis for more research in this area and also highlight certain key elements that future participation programs could wish to consider and integrate,” he adds.