'We're in their environment': Gendered barriers for female leaders in sport

Sport holds great significance in the lives of many Australians (and people world-wide). However, sport has traditionally been a male dominated pastime, where the structures and practices within sport have most often favoured males (including opportunities to play sport, gain employment and hold leadership roles). More recently, the dynamic of sport is changing and the capabilities of women as athletes and employees in sport are being recognised, resulting in more women being visible in positions historically dominated by men. Nonetheless, there are still barriers evident for female leaders in sports. Utilising a third wave feminism perspective, this study explores the experiences of 26 women working in traditionally male dominated leadership positions in the sport of Australian rules football. While it is acknowledged that overall, these women have had positive experiences within their roles, this manuscript focuses specifically on the barriers that are evident for female leaders in Australian rules football.