A two-pronged approach: utilising sports governing bodies’ statutes and equal treatment legislation to achieve equality of treatment in women’s football
A summary of the research:
This article discusses the ongoing inequalities in treatment between female and male professional athletes, particularly in soccer, despite the growing popularity and commercial success of women's sport. The author points out that these inequalities are not just about pay, but extend to crucial areas like pre-tournament preparation, access to quality coaching and medical treatment, injury prevention research specific to female athletes, standards of refereeing and broadcasting, and overall professional environments. The article highlights several examples of these disparities, including inadequate support for national teams leading up to major tournaments and the lack of professionalization in key areas like refereeing in women's leagues.
To address these issues, the article proposes a two-pronged approach for female athletes seeking equal treatment. The first involves utilizing the internal statutes of sports governing bodies like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which include principles of human rights and non-discrimination based on gender. Athletes can use the dispute resolution mechanisms of these bodies and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by arguing that these organizations are violating their own rules by allowing unequal treatment. The second approach is to rely on domestic equal treatment legislation that exists in many countries, including within the European Union, which guarantees equal treatment in employment. The article suggests that since professional athletes are essentially employees, these laws can be used to fight for equal treatment in areas where sports governing bodies fail to provide adequate remedies. The successful case of the US Women's National Team fighting for better working conditions is given as an example of the power of leveraging such legislation.
Here are three key takeaways:
Be aware of and advocate against disparities in resources and support for your female teams compared to male counterparts within your organizations and federations. The article clearly outlines how unequal treatment persists in areas beyond just pay, significantly impacting athletes' preparation, well-being, and performance. Coaches and administrators should actively push for equitable access to quality training facilities, medical staff with expertise in female athletes, appropriate travel arrangements, and overall professional standards to ensure their teams can compete at their best.
Understand the potential avenues for recourse available through sports governing bodies' internal regulations and broader legal frameworks. The article emphasizes that FIFA and the IOC have statutes against discrimination and for human rights, which can be used to challenge unequal treatment. Additionally, domestic equal treatment laws provide a legal basis for demanding the same professional standards as male athletes. While navigating these systems can be complex, awareness of these potential remedies can empower coaches and administrators to support their athletes in seeking fair treatment.
Recognize the importance of holistic equality for the continued growth and success of women's soccer. The article notes that while women's soccer is growing in popularity and commercial value, these inequalities can hinder further progress. By actively working to ensure equal treatment in all aspects of the game – from playing conditions and coaching to media visibility and refereeing standards – coaches and administrators can contribute to a more level playing field that fosters the development of talent and attracts greater investment and fan engagement.
Author: Sarah Carrick
You can read the entire article here.
