Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

College of Applied Human Sciences

Department

Sport Management

Committee Chair

Gonzalo Bravo

Committee Member

Brent Oja

Committee Member

Melissa Sherfinski

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of current education in sport related degree programs and the impact that has on future and current sport leaders to confront and report sexual misconduct in sport.

A total of 15 participants were selected to participate in this study. The participants for this study include current graduate students pursuing degree programs in either coaching studies or sport management, and graduates of these two programs (within the last five years) who are currently in the workforce in their respective fields. Most participants were white, female, and currently served a role in athletics.

Qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews were used to examine the educational and in-field experiences of participants surrounding the topic of sexual misconduct in sport. Following data collection, thematic analysis was employed to evaluate the responses of each participant with a critical feminist approach.

The findings from this investigation demonstrate a lack of formal, instructor-led education within a classroom setting within the master’s programs considered. Additionally, in-field training and education have an impact on participants’ abilities to recall and apply institutional policy as well as their confidence to identify and report sexual misconduct. Power was a key factor that impacted barriers to reporting. Professional position and staff hierarchies as well as gendered differences found within sport were significant factors that limited participants abilities to address sexual misconduct.

Download

Share

COinS