Sport Gender Snap Shot (1997-1998)
Survey Results Report (May 1999)

Executive Summary

A Sport Canada policy goal is "to attain equality for women in sport". In 1998, Sport Canada and National Sport Organizations (NSOs) undertook a "Sport Gender Snap Shot" survey to contribute to understanding Canadian women's situation in sport at the national team level. This is the first comprehensive data collection about gender in Canada's national team programming.

Information on topics requested by the Snap Shot likely varies by sport and year with differences in competition cycles and athlete performance. This Snap Shot captures information at a single point in time. It helps to produce baseline information to understand accomplishments, and areas for further progress, as future years' information is available.

Sport Canada sent a questionnaire to 38 NSOs requesting 1997/98 information; 37 NSOs replied with information to represent their best understanding of Snap Shot requests. Sport Canada clarified information as they required. Information verification was not part of the methodology. Following is an overview of accomplishments, and areas for further progress, as revealed by NSO responses.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Women Athletes on National Teams: Representation of women athletes on Canada's national teams in 1997/98 was, overall, 47%. Women's representation ranges from 49% at the Junior level to 44% at the Developmental level. All NSOs, but two, have both women and men on their national teams: one has men athletes only, the other women athletes only. Sport Canada notes that availability of international competitive events influences formation of Canadian national teams.

• Training and Competition Environment: Overall, NSOs report that men and women have equitable treatment in training and competition environments.

• Sport Science, Medicine and Other Health Services: Overall, NSOs report equitable athlete access to practitioners of both genders. Not all practitioners are available at all times in both genders.

• Media Relations: Overall, NSOs report that media relations services are equitably available to men and women. Publicity for athletes is often related to current competitions and athlete performance, and may be greater for either men or women.

• Number of Events With Cash Prizes: The number of events in which it is possible to receive cash prizes is equal for women and men when prizes are under NSO auspices, and almost equal when prizes are under International Federation (IF) auspices. There are, however, some inequities with respect to the value of cash prizes as described in the next section.

FOR FURTHER PROGRESS

• Women as Coaches:In 1997/98, women were 17% of national team coaches overall. Women are under-represented if compared to their representation as 47% of Canada's national team athletes. Sport Canada's goal is that women comprise 25% of national team coaches. NSOs reported initiatives to increase women's representation in coaching; Sport Canada will continue to track their progress.
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• Coach Salaries: Generally, it appears that salaries are higher for men than women coaches for comparable responsibilities and certification levels. Further information needs to be collected in order to more clearly understand these differences, and the reasons for them.

• International Officiating: Women are under-represented if compared to their representation as athletes on Canada's national teams. Overall representation of Canadian women athletes on national teams is 47%. In comparison, Canadian women are 36% of international Head Officials.

• Gender Comparison of Equity in Top Prizes: For prizes under NSO auspices, top prizes were reported to be equal for men and women in 67% of cases, and greater for men in 33% of cases. For prizes under IF auspices, top prizes were reported to be equal for women and men in 68% of cases, greater for men in 28% of cases, and greater for women in 4% of cases.

• Gender Comparison of Top Prize Amounts: For prizes under NSO auspices, the average top prize reported for men was $4,115, and for women $3,675. For prizes under IF auspices, the average top prize reported for men was $90,458, and for women $39,936.

• Prize Depths: For prizes under NSO auspices, prize depths (refers to the number of places in an event for which cash prizes are awarded, e.g., first to third place) were reported to be equal for women and men in 87% of cases, and greater for women in 13% of cases. For prizes under IF auspices, prize depths were reported to be equal for men and women in 80% of cases, greater for women in 12% of cases, and greater for men in 4% of cases.

• International Advocacy: The majority of NSOs report advocating with International Federations to encourage opportunities for women. It appears, however, that there are issues in the international domain where progress can still be made. Three such examples are use of gender-inclusive language and visuals, international officiating, and equity in prize amount and depth.

• Gender-Inclusive Language and Visuals: Overall, NSOs report using gender-inclusive language in their resource and promotional materials. However, their comments indicate that they believe there are improvements still to be made.

• National Team Resource Allocation: The approach used in the Snap Shot did not permit comparison of information across sports. Further methodological work remains. The Snap Shot provides a basis to learn about approaches to attributing expenditures and revenues to gender.

• Further Information Collection: It will be useful to collect some of the same information in future years in order to observe trends in priority areas. It will also be useful to develop additional methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, to further understand the situation of Canadian women in sport and the reasons for that situation.
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A Sport Canada policy goal, since 1986, has been "to attain equality for women in sport". In 1996, a Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) was developed by Sport Canada with input from the national sport community. The SFAF is updated every four years.

As part of the SFAF, Accountability Agreements are developed between Sport Canada and individual NSOs in order to ensure that NSOs in receipt of federal funding contribute to the achievement of federal policy objectives in sport.

The Accountability Agreements include minimum expectations for the area of "Women in Sport" for specific aspects of sport at the national and international team levels. These expectations were developed by Sport Canada assisted by an NSO working group. Through the Accountability Agreements, NSOs are responsible to implement the minimum expectations between 1996 - 2001.

By March1999, NSOs are to use the gender statistics they have collected through this snap shot exercise to develop strategies to address areas which reveal serious indications of gender inequity. These statistics are also intended to serve as benchmark data to assess future progress.

Development of the Snap Shot

To meet the gender-related expectations in the Accountability Agreements between Sport Canada and NSOs, a questionnaire was developed by Sport Canada in consultation with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport & Physical Activity (CAAWS), and a working group representing federally-funded NSOs.

Overview of Information Requested

National Team Athletes Number and gender of athletes by team/squad/training group.

National Team Training & Competition Environment By gender: training venues and calibre; clothing allotments; accommodation and transportation policies and practices. Training flexibility to accommodate family responsibilities, and personal safety considerations for women.

Monitoring & Evaluation of National Team Athletes By gender: frequency of on-site monitoring and evaluation; and, number and duration of annual training camps.

Sport Science & Medicine Support Gender availability of sport science, medicine, and other health practitioners.

National Team Resource Allocation Expenditures and revenues by team.

Promotion & Media Relations Media services by gender; gender-inclusive language and visuals; and, women in promotion materials.

Cash Prizes & Incentives By gender: prize numbers, amounts, and depths domestically and internationally; and, availability of performance-based grants/stipends.

National Team Coaches By gender: position, length of service, certification, and salary ranges.

International Officials By gender: type, certification level, training/competition opportunities.

National Championships Venues and calibres by gender. Practices regarding women coaches/managers for women athletes.

International Advocacy Activities to influence International Federations in encouraging opportunities for women.

Distribution of Snap Shot Questionnaire

The Snap Shot questionnaire was sent by Sport Canada in June 1998 to the 38 federally-funded NSOs. Responses were received from 37 NSOs. Sport Canada sought additional information from NSOs as required. A copy of the questionnaire is available if desired.

Self-Reporting

NSOs provided data which represented their best understanding of information requested by the Snap Shot questionnaire. Data verification was not part of the methodology.

Analysis and Reporting of Snap Shot Information

Sport Canada requested the assistance of the Corporate Review Branch, Department of Canadian Heritage, to analyse, and produce a report on, information provided by NSOs in response to the Snap Shot questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted by an external consultant. Data analysis began in February/99, and the survey report was produced in March/99.

A Single Point in Time

The Snap Shot questionnaire asks NSOs for 1997-98 data. Sports vary in competition cycles, and recent athlete performance. These variations influence some activities and expenditures about which information was sought. Therefore, responses for 1997-98 may be atypical were they considered over a longer time. Where NSOs have provided information to elaborate on this, it has been noted.

Completeness of Information Analysis

It proved not possible to use all information requested in the Snap Shot questionnaire. The reasons are discussed in the sections discussing survey results to which they pertain.

"Universe" of Responses

Responses were received from 37 of the 38 NSOs asked to complete the survey. Therefore, for purposes of this report, the "universe" of NSOs is usually taken to be 37.

Two sports within the group of 37 currently have athletes of only one gender: Baseball has only men athletes; and, Synchronized Swimming has only women athletes. For Snap Shot questions requesting comparisons between women and men athletes, these sports are not included in the analysis. Analysis of all other questions does include these two sports.

Respondents

The majority of those providing input and sign-off to the Snap Shot questionnaire were NSO administrators, with some assistance from volunteers and athletes. A total of 129 people provided input or sign-off to the questionnaire. Of these, 79 (61%) were men, and 50 (39%) were women.

National Team Athletes

Representation on Canada's National Teams

NSOs were asked to complete a chart indicating the number of women and men athletes by team level squad or training group.

Responses to this question are illustrated in the graphic below. Overall, for 37 federally-funded NSOs, it was reported that there are 3,511 athletes on Canada's national teams:

• Women represent 47% (1,647 athletes) of the national teams
• Men represent 53% (1,864 athletes) of the national teams.

NSOs reported the following by team level:

• Senior Teams

There are 1,566 senior team members

4% more are men than women: 816 (52%) are men; 750 (48%) are women

• Junior Teams

There are 715 junior team members

2% more are men than women: 364 (51%) are men; 351 (49%) are women

• Developmental Teams

There are 1,230 developmental team members

12% more are men than women: 684 (56%) are men; 546 (44%) are women

National Team Training and Competition Environment

Training Venues

NSOs were asked if men and women train at the same venues and, if not, whether venues were of the same calibre.

Over three-quarters of NSOs (28) indicated that women and men train at the same venues. All NSOs reporting that women and men train at different venues, stated that the technical calibre was the same.

Fifty-seven percent (20 NSOs) with athletes of both genders, gave comments to explain or qualify their replies.

• The 28 NSOs of 37 reporting that men and women do train at the same venues qualified their responses. Most often, they noted that athletes train at home clubs. Some noted that athletes may train at national training centres, but that this is not mandatory. Some made a distinction between training for forthcoming events and general training; for forthcoming events, athletes were more likely to train together. One noted that all train at the same site, if event technical challenge is comparable.
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• The 5 NSOs reporting that men and women do not train at the same venues noted that athletes train at their own clubs because there is no national training centre, or that training location depends on competition location.

Practice Times

NSOs were asked if women and men athletes practice at the same preferred prime times.

Over ninety percent of NSOs replied that men and women practice at the same preferred times.

N=37

Forty-three percent (15 of 35 NSOs with athletes of both genders) with athletes of both genders gave comments to explain or qualify their replies.

• The 34 NSOs reporting that both genders do practice at the same preferred times qualified their responses. Most frequently, they reported: training time is up to the individual; training time depends on availability of facilities; men and women practice at the national training facility and reasonable times are allocated to each if they are not training together. Other comments from individual NSOs included: for safety reasons, women are not usually given late night training slots; one group trains at a men's club to which women have some, but not equal, access; and, one club does not permit junior athletes at the facility in late evening.
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• The 1 NSO which noted that women and men do not practice at the same preferred times noted that both genders are given "equal access to training opportunities".

Team Clothing Allotments

NSOs were asked if men and women athletes received similar allotments of team clothing and uniforms.

For NSOs with athletes of both genders, all but one reported that women and men receive similar allotments.

N=37

NA refers to sports with athletes of only one gender.

Sixty-three percent (22 of 35 NSOs with athletes of both genders) with athletes of both genders gave comments to explain their replies.

• 21 NSOs reporting that men and women do receive similar allotments usually made two observations: allotment varies based on team level given differences in the number of events attended; and, clothing supplied by the NSO is similar, but individuals may receive additional clothing from sponsors. Other comments from individual NSOs were: allotment is the same by policy; few athletes receive any, but when they do it is related to performance; expenditure is greater for women because their clothing is more expensive.
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• The one NSO which replied that women and men do not receive similar allotments noted that the national organization supplies clothing and uniforms to men only.

Accommodation and Transportation

NSOs were asked whether they had the same accommodation and transportation policies and practices for both men and women athletes.

All NSOs with athletes of both genders reported the same policies and practices for women and men.

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NA refers to sports with athletes of only one gender.

Twenty percent (7 NSOs) NSOs offered comments about accommodation policies and practices.

• Several NSOs noted that athletes select their own accommodation, or that accommodation is separate but equal standard. Other comments from individual NSOs were: accommodation is the coach's decision; accommodation varies by level of competition, not gender per se; and, accommodation is equal at international events and, where feasible, at other events.

Eleven percent (4 NSOs) gave comments to explain their responses.

• The following comments were made by individual NSOs: transportation is the same by policy; athletes book their own transportation; transportation is highly flexible because the national team rarely trains together; and, transportation is the same except for the men's Olympic event for which transportation is the responsibility of a Canadian body other than the NSO.
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Accommodation of Family Responsibilities

NSOs were asked if they offer flexible training programs to accommodate individuals with family responsibilities.

All NSOs (36) which replied to this question, indicated that they offer flexible training programs to accommodate athletes with family responsibilities.

Ninety-four percent (33 of 35 NSOs responding to the question) gave comments about how their training practices accommodate individuals with family responsibilities.

• Eighteen NSOs noted that training schedules are personalized. Schedules are arranged by athletes with their coaches to accommodate other demands on the athlete's time, including family and educational responsibilities. Some noted, that flexibility in schedules decreases as competitions draw closer, particularly for team sports, when it is important that athletes be together.
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• Eleven NSOs gave examples of how they accommodate family responsibilities. These include: availability of Training Centre outside scheduled practices; availability of National Coach if athlete requires extra time due to training missed for family reasons; training facilities open to family members; training camps and competitions open to family members. One NSO noted that it supports child-care costs for athletes attending international competitions
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• Six NSOs reported that the issue had not arisen, and that no requests had been received from athletes.
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• One NSOs noted some limitations to flexibility insofar as training schedules are set well in advance so athletes can plan their time accordingly.

Personal Safety Considerations for Women

NSOs were asked if and how women's personal safety is taken into consideration during training and competition.

Over seventy percent (26 NSOs) reported that they take personal safety of women into account. Four of the 6 NSOs which replied "no" to this question indicated in their subsequent comments that they do, in fact take women's safety into consideration. Of the 6 NSOs who did not reply to the question, one has only men athletes; reasons for non-response of the others is not known.

Ninety-four percent (34 NSOs) gave comments about their practices regarding women's personal safety.

• NSOs replying yes to this question offered the following examples. Three practices were cited most frequently: i) athletes do not travel alone, and are accompanied by one another or by coaches; ii) for camps, competitions, and some team practices, transportation is provided to avoid unsafe situations at home and abroad; and iii) to the greatest extent possible, practice occurs during daylight hours. Other examples were: provision of mobile phones to all athletes; more stringent supervision and precautions for younger women and girls; use of security guards at games; and, meeting athletes at airports.
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• NSOs which replied no to this question, and which offered comments, did in fact offer examples of how they take women's safety into account. Their comments include: although there is no national policy, the safety of women is taken into account at the club level; scheduling training during daylight to greatest extent possible; encouraging travelling with others; discouraging carrying personal valuables; and, team stays as a group during training and competitions.

Monitoring and Evaluation of National Team Athletes

Athlete Monitoring and Evaluation

NSOs were asked how often the national coach provides on-site athlete monitoring and evaluation for men and for women training in decentralized training environments.

Sixty percent of NSOs reported that the frequency of monitoring/evaluation in decentralized training is equal for women and men. For other NSOs with decentralized training, frequency of monitoring/evaluation was reported to be slightly greater for women than men as illustrated in the following graphic.

Sixty percent (21 NSOs) gave comments. Some of these include sports with centralized training, and some with a mix of centralized and decentralized training.

• Eighteen NSOs described how monitoring and evaluation was conducted (e.g. athlete submission of monthly training logs, visits by coaching staff to decentralized training sites, telephone contact between athletes and coaches). The comments did not, typically, refer to differences between monitoring and evaluation for women and men.
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• Five NSOs noted that differences in frequency of monitoring and evaluation were in relation to factors such as events within the sport, team level or carding status. Usually, it was noted that these differences were related to the financial ability of the organization to provide such services. This means that, while there may be differences between men and women with respect to frequency of monitoring and evaluation, these are not due to gender per se.
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Annual Training Camps

NSOs were asked for the number and duration of annual athlete training camps for women and for men.

Fifty-seven percent (21 NSOs) which have annual training camps reported that the number and duration of camps were equal for women and men. As in the graphic, when frequency and duration of training camps is unequal by gender, there is a one percent difference reported in favour of longer and/or more frequent camps for men.

Fifty-one percent of NSOs with athletes of both genders commented further.

• Most comments gave supplementary information about how training camps were organized, and did not refer to gender-related matters.
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• Comments pertaining to gender noted that variations in frequency and duration were related to level of competition or forthcoming competitions, with the higher levels of competition generally, but not always, having more frequent or longer camps.
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• Three NSOs noted that men and women train together at camps.
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• One NSO noted that there is a special training camp for developmental level women.
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Sport Science and Medicine Support

Gender Availability of Sport Science and Medicine Practitioners

NSOs were asked if sport science and medicine practitioners of both genders were available to athletes.

Seventy-eight percent (29 NSOs) reported that sport science and medicine practitioners are available in both genders. Sixteen percent (6) NSOs noted that practitioners are not available in both genders.

N=37

Fifty-nine percent (22 NSOs) commented on gender availability of practitioners.

• The most frequent comment was that when practitioners in both genders are available, they may not be equally available in every area of practice or at all times.
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• Some NSOs described how practitioners of either gender are made available. Usually, this was by use of contracted practitioner services with athletes having the option to select a practitioner of their choice. One NSO noted that it looks forward to working with practitioners available through a national training centre.
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• Five NSOs noted that practitioners were not available in both genders. One sport has only male athletes. Three sports, with both female and male athletes, noted that their national team physicians are male. One sport, with athletes of both genders, noted that their physiotherapists are all female.
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• Two sports noted that they are developing a national network of practitioners of both genders.
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Access to Other Health Practitioners

NSOs were asked whether they provided access for athletes to practitioners "with expertise in health issues (eg eating disorders, rapid weight loss, hormones)".

Eighty-four percent (31 NSOs) replied that they try to facilitate athlete access to other health practitioners. Eight percent (3 NSOs) indicated that practitioners of both genders are not available.

Seventy-six percent (28) NSOs commented on access to practitioners with expertise in health issues noted in the question or other health issues.

• Most frequently, NSOs noted that they refer athletes to other practitioners as required and/or requested by an athlete. These referrals are made by either the team physician, an athlete's personal physician, the NSO itself, or through a national training centre.
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• Three NSOs noted that they provide information and seminars at training camps about the kinds of health issues noted in questionnaire.
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• Two NSOs noted they are developing a national network of sport science and health resources, including those relevant to the aspects of health noted in the questionnaire.
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• Two NSOs which make referrals to other practitioners noted that referrals are for a broader spectrum of health issues than those identified in the questionnaire, and that they may be equally relevant for women and men.
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• Two NSOs noted that the kinds of health issues identified in the questionnaire are not relevant to their athletes at present.

National Team Resource Allocation

Allocation of Team Expenditures and Revenues by Gender

For Team Sports, the Snap Shot provided a grid by which NSOs were to provide data, by team name, for: expenditures; revenues from athlete levies or program fees; and, revenues from sponsorships or gate receipts. For Individual Sports, NSOs were asked to provide comparable information.

All NSOs provided at least partial information in response to this question. However, the approach used in the Snap Shot did not permit comparison of information across sports.

The Snap Shot did not specifically request gender information, but NSOs were asked to use the same team names as they had to describe the representation of women and men athletes on national teams.

Data from 5 NSOs (14% of NSOs with athletes of both genders) permit gender comparisons for expenditures and revenues. We believe that this is not a sufficient basis for sound conclusions.

For the majority of NSOs (86%) the way in which their data are maintained and/or were reported for this Snap Shot, make it not possible at this time to attribute expenditures and revenues to gender. Two common situations were: i) NSO data are maintained by line expenditure item which made it not possible to report some or all data by gender, and, ii) NSOs were able to report some or all data requested by teams, but the team names used were different than those elsewhere in the questionnaire making it not possible to know at this time if the expenditures were for women or men.

The Snap Shot provides a basis to learn about approaches to attributing expenditures and revenues to gender. Further methodological development remains to understand national team resource allocation by gender.

Promotion and Media Relations

Media Relations Services

NSOs were asked if men and women receive equitable services in: media training for athletes and coaches; media relations personnel to accompany teams; number of media releases; and, other.

Not all NSOs provide all types of services. The area of greatest reported gender equity is the number of media releases. The area of least gender equity is availability of media personnel to travel with teams.

EQUITABLE AVAILABILITY OF MEDIA SERVICES

Nine NSOs gave examples of other media services they offer, including: use of web-sites or Live-Net for promotional purposes; organized media events including promotional tours or fundraising events; provision of media relations guides to each athlete; and, release of athlete biographies. Forty-nine percent (17 NSOs) offered additional comments.

The following were comments made by NSOs which do offer media relations services.

• The most frequent comment was that the amount of NSO promotional activity, as well as publicity athletes receive from elsewhere, is strongly influenced by recent competition results. In 1997/98, some of this additional publicity was received by women and some by men.
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• Five NSOs explained how they provide media services, or planned changes. One noted that in their communications plan, they make a conscious effort to equitably cover both genders. Another noted that their delegation head provides press liaison at major events. Another noted that previously their media services focussed on men, but now support the entire team. Two NSOs noted that they hope to extend media services to coaches soon.

The following comments were made by NSOs which do not currently offer media relations services.

• The most frequent comment was that current resources did not permit this. For NSOs which anticipate offering services in the future, they will be equal for men and women. Two NSOs noted that they themselves do not offer media services, but receive some media assistance from national sport centres.

Gender-Inclusive Language

NSOs were asked whether they use gender-inclusive language in promotional and resource materials.

All NSOs (35) with athletes of both genders replied that they use gender-inclusive language in promotional and resource materials.

Forty-six percent (16 NSOs) with both women and men athletes offered further comments.

• Most frequently, comments emphasized the priority NSO attaches to this issue, with examples of gender inclusive language.
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• Some comments concerned the need to increase inclusive language. A common theme was that, for cost reasons, some materials now in use are not ideal, but that as new materials are produced, the language is improved. One NSO noted that language "depends on the writer", but that a conscious effort is now made to be more inclusive. Two others noted they recognize the need for improvement and that they are including this in their strategic plans.
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• One NSO noted that some materials it uses are produced by its international federation, and do not use gender inclusive language as fully as do Canadian publications.
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• Another NSO noted that more of its promotional material is geared to women than men, because in Canada more women than men play the sport.

Gender Balance in Visuals

NSOs were asked if visuals in their rule books, coaching manuals, and newsletters were gender balanced and portrayed women appropriately.

Gender balance in visuals is reported to be greatest (84%) in newsletters and least (49%) in rule books. Further NSO comments help to understand these differences.

NA refers to sports with athletes of only one gender, or that there was no reply.

One-third (12 NSOs) gave examples of additional vehicles through which they present gender balance. These include: web-sites; visual and/or text public relations materials such as logos, posters, event programs, videos, media guides, annual reports and player handbooks.

One-third (12 NSOs) commented further on gender balance in visuals.

• Most frequently, they emphasized the importance of gender balance in visuals, and gave examples of how they work toward this: use of gender-neutral visuals such as animated characters or stick people; and, featuring women in a recent edition of the NSO magazine.
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• Two NSO noted that their manuals and rule books are text intensive and use few visuals.
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• Two NSOs noted that their record in this regard had been steadily improving, and that continued improvement is part of current strategic plans.
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• One NSO noted that some resource materials, featuring primarily males, are internationally produced/copyrighted. The NSO has brought this to the attention of the international federation.

Sport Canada notes that rule books are often internationally produced and copyrighted.

Women in Promotional Materials

NSOs were asked if they highlight women in promotional materials to increase public recognition of female athletes.

Seventy-nine percent (29 NSOs) reported that they highlight women in promotional materials.

Eighty-six percent (32 NSOs) offered further comments.

• Most frequently, NSOs reinforced their reply by noting that they feature men and women equally.
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• Some reported featuring athletes with recent excellent results whether they are women or men. They believe this is a more effective way to attract people to the sport than featuring non-identifiable athletes.
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• Two sports currently have athletes of only one gender. Both noted, however, that their promotional materials and activity attempt to attract both genders to their sport.
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• Two NSOs noted that they do not undertake special efforts to promote women, because most of their athletes are women.
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• Some NSOs gave examples of how they highlight women: web-sites; video on the national women's team; national team women in promotion campaigns, including a campaign against harassment and abuse; a new sport history book featuring both genders; and, posters, pamphlets etc featuring both genders.
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• One NSO noted that some of its material is directed specifically to women given self-defence benefits of the sport considered unique to women.

Cash Prizes and Incentives

Number of Events with Prizes

NSOs were asked for the number of events, by gender, with cash prizes sponsored by the NSO, and by the International Federation (IF).

Number of NSO-Sponsored Events With Cash Prizes:

• 7 NSOs reported sponsoring a total of 30 events with cash prizes; they reported an equal number of events with prizes for women and men.

Number of IF-Sponsored Events with Cash Prizes

• 20 NSOs reported a total of 121 IF-sponsored events with cash prizes
• Of events with prizes, 59 (49%) were reported for women, and 62 (51%) for men

N=121 (# Events with Cash Prizes)

Depth of Prizes

For events with prizes, NSOs were asked to give prize depths (eg 1-8 place etc), by gender, for prizes under NSO auspices, and under auspices of the International Federation.

Note on Method for Prize Depth Comparison: Prize depth comparisons are possible when prize depths are reported for both women and men, and there are corresponding women's and men's events.

Depth of NSO-Sponsored Prizes

• There are 30 individual events for which it is possible to compare prize depths by gender. That is, there are 15 "sets" of events for which comparison is possible.
• For the 15 sets of events, prize depths were reported to be equal for women and men in 26 cases (87%), and greater for women in 4 cases (13%).

Depth of IF-Sponsored Prizes

• There are 98 individual events for which it is possible to compare prize depths by gender. That is, there are 49 "sets" of events for which comparison is possible.

• For the 49 sets, prize depths were reported to be equal for women and men in 39 cases (80%), greater for women in 6 cases (12%), and greater for men in 4 cases (8%).

For events with prizes, NSOs were asked to give the amount of the top prize, for women and for men, for prizes sponsored by the NSO, and by the International Federation.

Overall Comparison of Top Prize Amounts for Women and Men

Note on Method to Compare Top Prizes: Top prize comparisons are possible when top prize amounts are reported for both women and men, and there are corresponding women's and men's events.

Amount of Top NSO-Sponsored Prizes

• There are 30 individual events for which it is possible to compare top prize amounts by gender. That is, there are 15 "sets" of events for which comparison is possible.
• For the 15 sets of events, top prize amounts were reported to be equal for women and men in 10 cases (67%), and greater for men in 5 cases (33%). There were no cases in which the top prize was reported to be greater for women.

• There are 106 individual events for which it is possible to compare top prize amounts by gender. That is, there are 53 "sets" of events for which comparison is possible.
• For the 53 sets of events, top prize amounts were reported to be equal for women and men in 36 cases (68%), greater for men in 15 cases (28%), and greater for women in 2 cases (4%).

Average Amount of Top Prizes

• For prizes under both NSO and IF auspices, the average amount of top prizes is greater for men than for women. The prizes are much larger, and the difference between the amount of women's and men's top prizes is much greater for prizes under IF auspices.
• For top prizes reported under NSO auspices, the average top prize for men was $4,115, and for women $3,675.
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  For top prizes reported under IF auspices, the average top prize for men was $90,458, and for women $39,936.

Performance Grants or Stipends

NSOs were asked if their sport offers performance-based training/competition grants/stipends directly to athletes, and if standards for these are the same for women and men.

Fifty-one percent (19 NSOs) report offering performance-based grants or stipends.

N=37

Sixty-two percent (23 NSOs) offered further comments or qualifications.

• Three NSOs qualified their "yes" replies. One noted that grants/stipends are based on the number of athletes and frequency of practice; currently, these are greater for women. Two sports noted that funding and gate receipts for men's teams were higher than for women's. One NSO believed that the men's team subsidizes the women's team and, therefore, stipends/grants are greater for men. The other noted that it is currently adjusting its grants/stipends to be more gender equitable.
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  One NSO noted that it provides grants/stipends to non-carded athletes to compensate for their non-carded status and offset the cost of attending training camps.
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• One NSO reported stipends/grants to be unequal for women and men. They were reported to be greater for men due to the larger gate receipts for the men's team.

National Team Coaches

NSOs were asked to give information about the number, gender, NCCP certification status, length of service, and salary ranges for Head, Other, Full-Time, Part-Time and Volunteer coaches.

Number of Women and Men Coaches by Type

The graphic illustrates the number of coaches by gender and type. Equal representation of women and men is far from the case in any category. It is, however, closest for part-time coaches and for non-head coaches.

• Overall: NSOs reported 257 coaches of which 83% (213) are men, and 17% (44) are women.
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• Head Coaches: NSOs reported 107 full-time and part-time head coaches of which 84% (90) are men, and 16% (17) are women.
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• Other Coaches: NSOs reported 150 full-time and part-time other coaches of which 82% (123) are men, and 18% (27) are women.
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• Full Time Coaches: NSOs reported 77 full time coaches of which 91% (70) are men, and 9% (7) are women.
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• Part Time Coaches: NSOs reported 180 part time coaches of which 79% (143) are men, and 21% (37) are women.

Coach Salaries

Salary information was provided for 239 (93%) of the 257 coaches identified in the Snap Shot. The graphics on the next page show the salary distributions reported for women and men coaches. Following are highlights from the graphics:

• Overall: For head coaches and other types of coaches, whether full time or part time, women coaches are generally paid less than men coaches.
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• Full Time Head Coaches: The greatest number of women coaches are paid in the $30-39K range. The greatest number of men coaches are paid in the $40-49K range. Highest reported salaries for women coaches are in the $40-49K range. Highest reported salaries for men coaches are in the $80K+ range.
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• Part Time Head Coaches: There is difficulty in interpreting these data because we do not know the amount of time part time coaches work, nor is it always known which coaches are volunteers. The greatest number of women are paid in the <$5K range. The greatest number of men are paid in the <$5K range and in the $10-19K range. For both women and men, the highest reported salary range is $30-39K.
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• Full Time Other Coaches: The greatest number of women are paid in either the <$29K range or the $30-39K range. The greatest number of men are in the $40-49K range. Highest salaries reported for women are in the $30-39K range. Highest salaries reported for men are in the $80K+ range.
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• Part Time Other Coaches: There is difficulty in interpreting these data because we do not know the amount of time part time coaches work, nor is it always known which coaches are volunteers. For both women and men, the greatest number are paid in the <$5K range. Highest salaries reported for women are in the $30-39K range. Highest reported salaries for men are in the $40K+ range.

Information additional to that from the Snap Shot is needed to understand salary differences between women and men coaches. While Snap Shot data do not permit a precise analysis of the reasons for the reported salary differences, certification levels do not appear to fully explain them. As discussed in the next section, coach certification levels of men and women are comparable and, in some respects, higher for women.

Other possible explanations for coach salary differences between women and men remain to be explored. One possible explanation is length of service. Sport Canada advises, and some NSOs observed, that several international competitive events available to women athletes are relatively new; this influences the size of the pool of women athletes who are, potentially, available to become coaches. Another possible explanation is variation in the ability of NSOs to pay coaches of either gender. Further information would be required to understand if the financial health of NSOs varies in ways which influence salary differences for women and men coaches.

N=54

N=23

N=49

N=113

Coach Certification

The tables below show coach certification levels by gender for full time and part time coaches. Following are some highlights from the tables:

• Full Time Coaches: Although there are many fewer women than men coaches, the level at which the greatest numbers of each are found is the same, Level 4.
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• Part Time Coaches: Although there are many fewer women than men coaches, the level at which the greatest number of women are found, Level 4, is higher for women than men. The greatest number of men are at Level 3.

Full Time Coaches - Certification Level and Gender

Part Time Coaches - Certification Level and Gender

The table below shows coach certification levels by gender for all coach types. Following are some highlights from the table:

• In category-by-category comparisons between women and men, the average certification levels are similar with one exception. The greatest difference in mean certification levels is for part time head coaches. Here, the mean certification level for women is considerably higher than that for men. Current Snap Shot information does not explain the reasons for this difference. It may be useful to further explore the reasons for this difference.
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• In comparisons among categories, there are other differences in certification levels between women and men which cannot be explained by current Snap Shot.. These may be areas where further exploration is useful to understand differences in certification levels. One example lies in the comparison between women part time head coaches and men full time head coaches where women's certification level is slightly higher than men's. A second example lies in the comparison between men part time head coaches and women full time other coaches. Here, the mean certification levels are about the same.

Average Certification Levelsof Coaches

Initiatives to Increase Pool of Women Coaches

NSOs were asked to describe initiatives of their sport to increase the pool of women qualified to coach at the national team level.

All NSOs (37) replied to the question. This graphic illustrates the portion of NSOs reporting initiatives to increase the pool of women coaches.

N=37

• Two NSOs (5%) reported that the question did not apply to them: one noted that it has all women athletes and coaches; the other that it has all men athletes.
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• Six NSOs noted no special initiatives, with these comments: 90% of coaches are women; "the sport is 80% women"; insufficient funds to develop coaches in general, much less targeted initiatives; coaches are selected from clubs to accompany athletes to major events; the women's program is relatively new, and no women athletes have retired yet; and, currently there are several women in the Level 4 program.

Twenty-nine NSOs gave examples of initiatives they take to increase the pool of coaches; most identified more than one initiative. The following table summarizes initiatives reported by NSOs. Some initiatives are for women only; others are for both women and men.

NSO INITIATIVES TO INCREASE POOL OF WOMEN COACHES

International Officials

Canadian Women and Men as International Officials

NSOs were asked to provide information about types of officials and certification level for Canadian women and men.

The following graphics show the representation of Canadian women and men as head and other officials at the international level. It proved not possible to analyse information about certification level because of the extensive number of international certification designations.

Canadian men are more frequently represented than Canadian women at the international level as both head and other officials in international competition. Women are more likely to be represented as an other official than a head official in international competition.

Representation of Canadian Women and Men as International Officials

Equitable Opportunities to be International Officials

NSOs were asked whether they provide equitable training and competition opportunities for women and men officials.

One NSO did not reply to the question. All others reported that they provide equitable training and competition opportunities for women and men to be international officials.

N=37

Thirty-nine percent (14) of NSOs responding to the question gave additional comments.

• Five NSOs stated that they believe opportunities are equitable, and gave the following comments: there is currently more interest shown by men; unequal representation "may be due to women's family responsibilities"; "international eligibility is more rigorous than domestic eligibility"; women and men officials are equally in demand internationally.
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• Nine NSOs gave examples of initiatives, or other observations, about increasing opportunities for women: Women's and Officiating Committees are working together to identify potential candidates and assist them to meet international certification standards; when selection occurs, and all other criteria are equally met, a woman is chosen to increase gender balance; an NSO funding program has been instituted for women to attend international clinics and major events; informal attempts have been unsuccessful; a more formal effort is required; representation is higher for women when Canada hosts international women's events; international officials' pool is drawn from current athletes, of which there are many fewer women than men. International officiating rules stipulate that officials must have past competitive experience, and their retirement "cannot be rushed"; NSO has recently undertaken a survey to more fully understand the inequities, and has based a strategy on survey results; there have been "major inequities", and, the NSO recently advocated successfully on this issue.

National Championships

Event Venues and Technical Calibre

NSOs were asked if women's and men's events are at the same venue and, if not, if venues are of the same technical calibre.

All NSOs replied to this question. Thirty-one indicated that events are held at the same venues. All who indicated that events are at different venues, reported that venues are of the same technical calibre.

• Thirty-two percent (12 NSOs) gave further comments. Generally, the comments were to reinforce that technical the calibre is the same when venues differ.
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• Following are additional comments provided by NSOs: all venues are the same except for the Canada Games which does not permit women athletes in the sport; the course for women is shorter, but is at the same place on the same day; and, venues are the same technically, but not in seating capacity.

Women Coaches/Managers for Women Athletes

NSOs were asked whether the national championship technical package requires/encourages that a specified number of coaches/managers be women for teams with women.

Twenty-seven NSOs reported that the packages do not have this requirement. Four NSOs reported that the packages do have this requirement; and, 6 NSOs did not reply.

N=37

Sixty-two percent (23 NSOs) gave further comments.

• NSOs reporting that the technical packages do encourage or require women coaches/managers for women athletes made the following observations: women and men compete against one another on the same courses; team managers are same gender as team members; coaches usually an equal number of women and men; and, rules require that at least one coach must be the same gender as the athletes.
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• NSOs reporting that technical packages do not encourage or require women coaches/managers for women athletes, made the following observations: there is a general policy to encourage this, but it is not a requirement; technical considerations are primary, but there is always one woman staff member on any national team; NSO takes all volunteers willing to pay their own way; not a requirement, but in practice there are always some women officials; this is club-dependent and while there are more men, some women are usually involved; there is no policy, but there are programs to increase number of women coaches; few women in the sport are currently qualified; and, coaches are selected by athletes and not assigned to events.

Organizing Committees

NSOs were asked whether they have a policy with guidelines to ensure participation of women and of men in senior positions on the event organizing committee.

Thirty-five NSOs replied that they do not have policies/guidelines to ensure participation in senior positions on event organizing committees. One NSOs replied that it had such a policy. One NSO did not reply.

N=37

Forty-nine percent (18 NSOs) provided further comments.

• The NSO reporting that it does have guidelines noted that these are currently under development, and are intended to increase the involvement of women.
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• The NSOs reporting that they do not have policies/guidelines made the following observations: involvement of women is encouraged and supported, but not "legislated"; it is not within the NSOs jurisdiction to decide this, but usually women and men are equally represented on organizing committees; organizing committees are usually comprised mainly of women; NSO encourages the "best qualified" persons to volunteer; NSO is currently reviewing, or contemplating reviewing its practices; NSO requires at least one woman judge, but not by policy; and, there is usually gender balance since there are more women than men athletes in the sport.

International Advocacy

Opportunities for Women

NSOs were asked whether and how they influence their International Federation to encourage more opportunities for women ("eg new events").

Twenty-five NSOs reported that they advocate with International Federations to encourage more opportunities for women. Eight NSOs replied that they do not. Four NSOs did not reply.

N=37

Ninety-two percent (34 NSOs) offered additional comments.

• NSOs reporting that they do not undertake such activities reported this is because there is currently international gender equity in their sport. These organizations interpreted gender equity to mean an equal number of events available to women and men.
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• NSOs reporting that they do undertake such activities most frequently gave the following examples: 12 NSOs noted that their sport has Canadian women represented on the international federation's Executive and/or other committees; 13 NSOs noted that they had successfully lobbied, or were in the process of lobbying for, more international competitive events for women athletes in their sport.

• The following other examples were given by NSOs reporting that they do undertake such activities: introduction of motion for greater gender equity in international officiating; hosting international competitive events for women; advocating for greater use of gender- inclusive language in international federation publications; participation in international technical seminars exclusively for women; and, advocating equal prizes for men and women.

PROGRESS IN SPORT CANADA'S GOALS FOR WOMEN IN SPORT

The purposes of this section are to:

• Summarize what the 1997-98 Snap Shot indicates about progress in Sport Canada's policy objective to attain equality for women in sport. Snap Shot information is discussed in two contexts. First, how 1997/98 information compares with previous years' information where available. Second, what the 1997/98 information indicates about progress toward Sport Canada's system-wide goals for women in sport, and minimum expectations in the Accountability Agreements between NSOs and Sport Canada.
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• Identify possible future steps to increase the understanding of Canadian women's situation in sport at the national team level.

PROGRESS TOWARD EQUALITY FOR WOMEN IN SPORT

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Representation of Women on Canada's National Teams

All but two sports with funding from Sport Canada's international program have national team programs for women. At each of the Senior, Junior, and Developmental levels, the representation of women athletes is greater than 40% although there is variability across sports.

National Team Training & Competition Environment

The majority of NSOs report that women and men receive equitable service in, and access to, training and competition environments when these are within NSO auspices.

National Team Monitoring and Evaluation

The majority of NSOs report that they provide on-site monitoring and evaluation for women that is equal to, or greater than, that for men. For NSOs which hold annual training camps, the majority report the number and duration of camps to be equal to or greater for women than men.

Sport Science and Medicine Support

The majority of NSOs reported that they make concerted efforts to have sport science and medicine support available in the gender of the athlete's choice. Practitioners of both genders may not, however, be equally available in every area of practice or at all times. The majority of NSOs reported that they make efforts to provide athletes with access to other health practitioners as required or requested.

Promotion & Media Relations

The majority of NSOs which provide such services report that services are equitably available for women and men. NSOs note that media coverage, and their own promotional activity, may vary by recent athlete performance. This may result in greater coverage for either women or men.

National Championships

All NSOs reported that national championship training venues for women and men are either the same, or of equal calibre.

Number of Events With Cash Prizes: The number of events in which it is possible to receive cash prizes is equal for women and men when prizes are under NSO auspices, and almost equal when prizes are under IF auspices. There are, however, inequities with respect to the amount of cash prizes as described below.

FOR FURTHER PROGRESS

Women as National Team Coaches

A Sport Canada system-wide goal for 2001 is that 25% of national team coaches be women. For 1997/98, 18% of national team coaches were reported to be women. This indicates an under-representation of women when compared, for example, with their overall representation as 47% of national team athletes.

There was a slight decline in the percentage of women coaches from 1996 when Sport Canada data indicate 20% of coaches were women. There has, however, been progress. Sport Canada data (Sport Canada, 1988) indicate the following: in 1988 13% of head coaches were women compared to 7% in 1985 and 14% in 1981. Data from the Coaching Association of Canada (Sport Canada 1991) indicate that women held 5% of national team head coach positions, and 18% of other coach positions on Canada's national teams.

Coach Salaries

The 1997/98 Snap Shot shows clearly that women coaches are not paid equitably in comparison with men. Coach certification levels do not appear to be the primary factor. Although there are many fewer women then men national team coaches, their certification levels are comparable and, in some respects, higher than men's.

Canadian Women in International Officiating

Snap Shot data report Canadian women to be 26% of Canadian head international officials, and 44% of other Canadian international officials. This is an under-representation of women if compared with their overall representation (47%) as athletes on national teams. A systemic barrier noted by NSOs is that international regulations may require officials to be retired national team athletes, of which more are men. As national team representation of women increases, women may constitute an increasing proportion of international officials. Nevertheless, this appears to be an area in which there is further progress required.

Average Amount of Top Cash Prizes: The average amount of top prizes is greater for men than women for prizes under NSO and IF auspices. These differences are much more pronounced for IF-sponsored prizes.

Overall Comparison of Top Cash Prize Amounts: NSOs report the amount of top prizes under their auspices to be most often equal for women and men. When unequal, they are greater for men. For prizes under IF auspices, the amount of top cash prizes are most often equal for men and women. When unequal, they are more often greater for men.

International Advocacy

Sixty-eight percent of NSOs indicated that they advocate with their International Federations to encourage more opportunities for women. There was, however, a variety of issues identified in the Snap Shot, within International Federation domain, which could productively be addressed. These include: gender inclusive language and visuals; and, representation of women in international officiating, and equity in prizes for women and men. Productive dialogue might also take place in the area of increased recruitment of women coaches.

Gender Inclusive Language and Visuals

The majority of NSOs report using gender inclusive language in their materials. However, many qualified their replies to indicate that further progress is required. Two common themes were: the financial requirement to use current stocks which are less than ideal in their use of language before producing new material; and, the fact that some of the literature they use which is less than ideal is produced by the international federation.

National Team Resource Allocation: This first Snap Shot is a basis to learn about attributing national team expenditures and revenues to gender. Further methodological work remains.

Further Information Collection: It will be useful to collect some of the same information in future years in order to observe trends in priority areas. It will also be useful to develop additional methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, to further understand the situation of Canadian women in sport and the reasons for that situation.

FUTURE STEPS TO UNDERSTAND THE STATUS OF CANADIAN WOMEN IN SPORT

Variety of Perspectives, Sources and Types of Information

It is likely that the situation of women in high performance sport, both domestically and internationally, is influenced by a variety of historical, structural, policy, cultural and attitudinal factors. The interaction among these factors is, undoubtedly, complex. Understanding the dynamics requires both quantitative and qualitative information, explored from a variety of perspectives.

Quantitative Information

Sound quantitative information is essential to understand the status of Canadian women in sport. Without numbers to illustrate gender representation, one is left with conjecture which may, or may not, accurately reflect reality. Without quantitative information, the basis for assessing progress, and identifying issues requiring continued effort, is also speculative. Gathering information also serves to hold this aspect of sport policy in the attention of those in a position to influence it.

It is recommended that some version of the Sport Gender Snap Shot data continue to be collected, assessed and reported on a regular basis. Regular collection is useful so that data do not become lost to time. Regular information collection permits year-on-year comparisons, and observation of trends over the longer-term. Regularly collected information is particularly important given that some of the information collected in the current Snap Shot will vary considerably depending on the competition cycles and recent results of individual sports.

Quantitative information from other perspectives could also be sought to complement data obtained from NSOs. For example, perspectives of athletes, coaches and officials could be sought from time to time on matters related to gender equity.

Qualitative Information

Because factors related to gender equity in sport are multiple, and their interrelationships complex, numbers alone will not tell the story. Numbers alone will not, for example, fully explain the structural, policy and attitudinal factors at work which result in both positive, and less than desirable, gender equity situations.

Assessing Currently Available Information

There are, clearly, many groups with interest and commitment to advancing the status of Canadian women in sport. A key characteristic of sport is the collection of data of various kinds. It would be helpful to explore the variety of information currently held. This will assist in identifying gaps to be filled.

References

Larkin, Jackie and Baxter, Betty Towards Gender Equity for Women in Sport: A Handbook for National Sport Organizations Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity, and Government of Canada Fitness and Amateur Sport (1993)

Kent, Judy Women in International Sport - Achieving Gender Equity Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity and Sport Canada (1995)

Lenskyj, Helen Women, Sport and Physical Activity: Selected Research Themes Sport Canada (1994)

Sport Canada Sport Canada Policy on Women in Sport (1986)

Sport Canada Women in Sport Leadership: An Issue for Sport - Summary of a National Level Survey (1988)

Sport Canada Women in Coaching (1991)

Sport Canada Minimum Expectations - Women in Sport (System-Wide Goals and Accountability Agreement Minimum Expectations) (1998)