FEMALE COACHING DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION TOOLKIT

Transcription

1 FEMALE COACHING DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION TOOLKIT

2 BASKETBALL VICTORIA ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE COUNTRY THROUGHOUT VICTORIA AND PAYS RESPECT TO THEIR ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT. WE ARE RESPECTFUL OF THE ONGOING LIVING CULTURES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES FROM ALL OF THE VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL NATIONS. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE CONTRIBUTION OUR INDIGENOUS COACHES, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE MADE TO BASKETBALL. CONTENTS BASKETBALL VICTORIA - STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 5 BASKETBALL FOR ALL 6 WHAT IS GENDER EQUITY? 7 BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT 10 WHY SHOULD FEMALES COACH AT YOUR ASSOCIATION? 12 STRATEGIES TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN NEW FEMALE COACHES 14 RETAINING FEMALE COACHES 16 WHAT HAVING FEMALES AT OUR ASSOCIATION MEANS TO US 19 WHAT FEMALES WANT FROM THEIR BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE 20 GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR COACHING FEMALES 22 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 23

3 BASKETBALL VICTORIA - STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT BASKETBALL VICTORIA S (BV) COMMITMENT IS TO ENSURE EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE BASKETBALL COMMUNITY. WITH FEMALES REPRESENTING MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION (2016 ABS REPORT), COUPLED WITH THE DECLINE IN THE PERCENTAGE OF FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN OUR SPORT (2013 BASKETBALL VICTORIA CENSUS), IT IS RECOGNISED THAT THE SPORT NEEDS TO REDRESS THIS RECENT DECLINE IN FEMALE REPRESENTATION AT ALL LEVELS OF COACHING IN VICTORIA. This document was created following an extensive study undertaken by BVC Development Officers. Whilst the focus and examples provided within this document are focused on the country pathway and the experiences of those involved in country basketball, the majority of the barriers and subsequent strategies are equally applicable to those involved with metropolitan-based associations. As is always the case, terminology and programs differ from association to association, however, we have standardised nomenclature and provided practical examples where feasible. As part of the project, Basketball Victoria has provided this Association Toolkit to assist associations with the recruitment, development and retention of female coaches and to redress the issues identified in the 2017 BVC Female Coaching Study. This toolkit will further help associations to develop an understanding of pathways and opportunities available to female coaches in Victoria. A key finding of the 2017 Basketball Victoria Country Female Coaching Study was directly related to a lack of understanding and awareness of female participation programs and their role in the Victorian basketball pathway. It is evident that all programs developed need to be communicated to coaches at all levels and be easily accessible by everyone wishing to advance their coaching credentials. This toolkit is designed to increase both the number of female coaches at all levels of our sport and the knowledge of gender equality in coach education. The toolkit is for basketball associations to use and designed specifically for people who are involved in developing coaches within local associations. ASSOCIATION TOOLKIT OBJECTIVES Promote inclusive practice in our sport Diversify approaches to recruiting and retaining volunteers Promote gender equality in coaching by challenging the norm Promote the representation of paid and volunteer women coaches Increase the number of women as paid and volunteer coaches DECEMBER 2017 Over the coming years Basketball Victoria aims to significantly increase the number of accredited female coaches at association level by strengthening and enhancing the pathway from community through to elite level. This strategy and subsequent toolkit has been developed to assist associations to specifically target female coaches and enable greater opportunities for female coaches to thrive and succeed in their local area. I have loved being involved in basketball for over 35 years - as a fan, as a player, as a coach, as a committee member, SSA President and as a Basketball Victoria Board member and I encourage associations to develop more females to become coaches and mentors and to provide better opportunities for growth. It is my great pleasure to formally introduce this booklet to the basketball community basketball is really for everyone. As coaches, we are people of influence and our players want to please us but, when we can influence their lives, that s the ultimate privilege. It doesn t matter the sport, coaching is coaching. It s about managing people more than about the X s and O s. In respect of findings, delivered by both internal and external studies into female coaching, it is clear that a framework needs to be in place to optimise female involvement and provide females with the wherewithal to achieve their coaching goals and potential. Stage one of increasing female participation is to develop female coaches. Whilst there is higher representation of female coaches at the junior domestic level across Victoria, it is common for those coaches to be a parent of one of the participating children. In 2017, Basketball Victoria undertook an extensive study aimed towards understanding both the motivations of participants and existing barriers within the sport. This study was titled the 2017 BVC Female Coach Study and research undertaken concluded: As the standard of basketball increases, the percentage of female coaches decreases The pathway from domestic coach to squad or representative coach is not being accessed by female coaches There is little, if any, accreditation of domestic coaches (either male or female) Those involved in the study were unaware of any formalised process for advancing female coaches at any level Increase the number of female high-performance coaches Retain the expertise of elite female athletes remaining involved in our sport Increase the number of role models for females in our sport Strengthen relationships between experienced and inexperienced coaches Improve and promote development pathways and opportunities for women coaches Acknowledge and celebrate our female achievements Foster the leadership of women across all diverse sectors of our sport as a gender equality strategy Nick Honey Basketball Victoria Chief Executive Officer Shelley Lambert Basketball Victoria Board member, Victoria Country Commission member and coach Jan Stirling AM, FIBA Hall of Fame Basketball Australia General Manager, High Performance and National Teams

4 BASKETBALL FOR ALL GLOBALLY BASKETBALL IS RANKED AS THE NUMBER TWO (2) SPORT WITH 213 COUNTRIES PLAYING INTERNATIONALLY AND OVER 450 MILLION PLAYERS PLAYING THE GAME AROUND THE WORLD ON A REGULAR BASIS. OVER 450,000 VICTORIANS ARE INVOLVED IN BASKETBALL RELATED ACTIVITY ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. FEMALE BASKETBALL IN AUSTRALIA This season marks 37 years of the Women s National Basketball League (WNBL), the longest running women s elite domestic competition in Australia. The first WNBL game was played in August 1981 with national television coverage, via the ABC in the first instance, spanning 24 years. The Opals, Australia s women s national basketball team, have won Olympic Games silver medals in 2000, 2004 and 2008, as well as Olympic Games bronze in 1996 and 2012, also gold at the 2006 FIBA World Championships and bronze at 1998, 2002 and 2014 World Championships. Australia hosted the World Women s Basketball Championships in 1994, when Australia s most successful coach Tom Maher stepped into the role of Australian women s coach and led the Opals to a top-four ranking in the world. Tom coached the team to a fourth position in the 1994 World Championships, a bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996, a bronze medal in Germany in 1998 and a silver medal in Sydney Pathway programs exist across the state and in country Victoria. These programs continue to encourage females to become involved in basketball. In July 2017, 115 support coaches registered for the BVC U12 Skills Days, including 39 females or per cent of the total registered attendees. In the 2017 Melbourne United Victorian Junior Basketball League (Melb Utd. VJBL) competition, there were 1,840 male coaches registered and 465 females or per cent, whilst there were 1,292 teams with per cent being female participants. In 2016, 17,734 females were reported as participating in basketball activity throughout regional Victoria and approximately 54,000 participating in the metropolitan area. WHAT IS GENDER EQUITY? Q: WHAT DOES GENDER EQUITY MEAN? A: Equity is concerned with correcting inequitable situations that stem from past practices. Equity means allocating resources and providing opportunities fairly and without bias or discrimination. Q: DON T GIRLS AND WOMEN CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE LESS IN SPORT? AREN T THEY LESS INTERESTED? A: Female athletes and coaches do not prefer less recognition, less power, less money, and fewer choices than their male counterparts. The combination of cultural norms, discriminatory practice and women s position in society results in girls and women participating less in sport, although not usually by choice. Q: ISN T THE WHOLE ISSUE OF GENDER EQUITY IRRELEVANT TO MANY SPORTS, IN PARTICULAR THE SINGLE GENDER SPORTS? A: Whether a sport has only female or male players, persons of the opposite gender may want to become coaches, administrators, and officials. That is why the principles of equal opportunity are relevant to all sports. A sport can maximise its human resources by recruiting from 100 per cent of the population. Q: AREN T GENDER EQUITY PROGRAMS REVERSE DISCRIMINATION? A: Removal of barriers and traditions that deter the full participation of girls and women is necessary to give them a reasonable chance in the system. Introducing actions designed specifically for girls and women is necessary to level the playing field. Supporting the diverse needs of females in the short-term may create the possibility of equity in the long-term. The Montreal Toolkit, International Working Group on Women in Sport, 2002 Q: DON T SPECIAL MEASURES AND EQUITY PROGRAMS PROMOTE GIRLS AND WOMEN BASED ON GENDER RATHER THAN ON INDIVIDUAL MERIT? A: Because of the discriminatory nature of the sport system, it is not always possible for girls and women to succeed on their own merit. Without special measures, qualified women seldom get the chance to contribute. When selecting individuals for certain positions and tasks, research has shown that we tend to select those most like ourselves. In the case of sport, the tendency has been for men to select men. Images credit: Dandenong Rangers.

5 FEMALE COACHES WOMEN HAVE BEEN UNDERREPRESENTED IN SPORTS COACHING, OFFICIATING, AND ADMINISTRATION AND THESE KEY POSITIONS PROVIDE ROLE MODELS FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN. GENDER REPRESENTATION MAY ALSO INFLUENCE THE DECISION MAKING PROCESSES WITHIN, AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF, SPORTING ORGANISATIONS. Coaching has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated activity. This has occurred across many sports, and even within sports where male and female athlete ratios are relatively equal. A study conducted by the University of New England, Advancement in Sport Coaching and Officiating Accreditation identifies many gender inequities, but states that substantive reasons for the over representation of male coaches and officials are not clear. For women to be treated equally in sport they need to have access to, and involvement in, all aspects of sport including coaching, officiating, and administration. Statistics show 93 per cent of elite coaches in Australia progress from a background as an athlete, but female athletes account for only 3 per cent of this conversion figure. Kate Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Sports Commission. At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, more women competed for Australia than men and more women won gold. The chef de mission was a woman and women were well represented among the athlete services, medical and support staff. But of the 160 accredited Australian coaches in Rio, only 15 were women a mere 9 per cent, compared with 12 per cent at the London Olympics in Chip Legrand - Victorian Chief Reporter The Australian Article 22 May Coaches are recognised worldwide for their valuable contribution and significant influence on the physical, psychological, and social development of sports participants; adding value to the participant s sporting experiences and outcomes. The importance of community (i.e. grassroots level) coaches has been recognised by international sport organisations such as the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASIOF) as well as national sporting organisations in Australia. A study by Sports Coach UK (2014) determined that good coaching brings more people into sport, increases their enjoyment of sport, and makes them more likely to stay involved in sport and physical activity. Why should programs be offered specifically targeting female participation? The combination of discriminatory practices, usually as a result of unconscious bias, in sport and society means women maybe disadvantaged within the sport system. We need policies and programs that redress this issue. To achieve a fair system, special measures are sometimes needed to provide equal access for women and men to participate in sport and to hold positions of responsibility. Equal access doesn t exist today, some catching up is required. It is important to understand that the structure of sport is not neutral media, funding, historical practices and governance structures are neither neutral nor representative of the actual sporting landscape. Disparity contributes to lack of awareness and opportunity the impact of strong role models must not be underestimated and opportunities should be given to all coaches looking to contribute their time and skills. We must be willing to challenge our norms and beliefs when we describe the process and the skills of competing, administering and coaching sport. Stereotypes such as women are the best coaches for young children or women shouldn t coach men are social barriers to developing a career in sport, but these aren t the only barriers in place. Women should have equal opportunities to instruct or coach. At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, more women competed for Australia than men and more women won gold. A more inclusive coaching workforce can lead to more women being physically active, attract women from under-represented backgrounds into our sport, increase the number of volunteers in our sport, innovate coaching methodologies, provide strong female role models for boys and girls and challenge gender stereotypes. UNCONSCIOUS BIAS Everyone likes to think they are open-minded and objective, but research has shown that the beliefs and values gained from family, culture and a lifetime of experiences heavily influence how we view and evaluate both others and ourselves.

6 BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT PLAYER AND COACH BEHAVIOURS ARE KEY FACTORS IN ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ASSOCIATION CULTURE. THEREFORE THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF QUALITY COACHES CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO THIS CULTURE. However, the majority of coaches involved in sport are volunteers who, due to other commitments, are generally unable to give additional time for professional development pertaining to their volunteer role. Given that best practice suggests that on the job training provides optimum results, delivery of coach education and support of coaches should be provided within the association environment to support the development of coaches and enhance positive experiences for young players. To this end Basketball Victoria has invested heavily into coaching development resources and led by the BV Coach Development Officer and supported by Basketball Development Officers, a comprehensive Coach Development Program is being rolled out across Victoria. Whilst we recognise the resourcing challenges that exist from association to association, it is important for associations to appoint a person who leads player and coach development at each association. This role is often referred to as a Director of Coaching, Coaching Coordinator or Coach convener. For the purposes of consistency, we will refer to this position as the Director of Coaching throughout this toolkit. Associations who recognise the role of a Director of Coaching will be best placed to meet the needs of new coaches and ensure the association provides the support and opportunities for all current and perspective coaches. The main function of a Director of Coaching is to provide relevant and valued support to all coaches and to ensure appropriate training and activity is provided by all coaches to further both coach and player development within associations. THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH: Supporting a positive coaching culture Ensuring all coaches are registered with Basketball Victoria and in particular, female coaches registered with the Female Coach Network Promoting the practice of inclusion and understand and value the diverse needs of the participants Mentoring and monitoring coaches and provide support as required Ensuring coaches have access to appropriate learning opportunities and resources including websites, courses and workshops Valuing the contribution of the coaches by welcoming them at their commencement and thanking them at the conclusion of the season Presenting parents with relevant information at the start of the season and update at regular intervals THE VOLUNTEER COACH Is generally a parent who made their way into coaching as a result of their children playing the sport. Their primary motivation is seeing their child having fun and participating in a team-based sport. They see coaching as a good way to spend time with their children and feel that their involvement sets a good example. Many may be new coaches - they may never have coached or played basketball before; some may have been coaching for a while, possibly in other sports. Whether they are new or have some experience, they are all developing and should be supported by a specific person undertaking the role of Director of Coaching within each local association. THE DIRECTOR OF COACHING IS IN A POSITION TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL COACHES AND CONSEQUENTLY, THE ASSOCIATION. THIS INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS WOULD FACILITATE THE ENJOYMENT NOT ONLY OF THE COACHES AND PLAYERS, BUT OF THE WHOLE ASSOCIATION AS WELL AS HELP TO DEVELOP THE APPROPRIATE CULTURE. Building a strong sense of inclusion and belonging Welcoming of new players, members and supporters and supporting those already involved Maintaining good communication between all stakeholders and most importantly Creating a positive, safe and non-threatening environment in which players and coaches feel that they can try new things, make mistakes and learn Nat is currently the Player/Coach Development Officer at the Foster Basketball Association in Country Victoria. Nat has had a long-term involvement in local basketball and has also been part of the Victoria Country player pathway particularly at U12 and U14 level. Nat has also been part of numerous Victoria Country state teams and is a qualified Coach Course Presenter. In appointing Nat to her current role, Foster Basketball Association Vice President Stephen Brewer said: We would like to utilise Nat to not only work with our juniors but also upskill our coaches... The association has acknowledged that we don t currently have the capacity to teach our junior players the fundamentals of basketball to the standard we would like. We have plenty of talented kids playing but we struggle at tournament level. This is highlighted by the number of kids who leave us to play at other associations who are known for their quality coaching. We would like to be able to keep our juniors at our club to ensure the future of our association. We would like to utilise Nat to not only work with our juniors via skills session etc. but also upskill our coaches at both the domestic and squad levels. Nat s duties at Foster include: overseeing junior training, conducting information or training sessions for domestic coaches, junior skill sessions from U10-U14 and working with the Committee to strategically plan the direction of the club. NAT TODOROVSKI

7 WHY SHOULD FEMALES COACH AT YOUR ASSOCIATION? ASSOCIATIONS THAT ARE INCLUSIVE AND PROACTIVE IN REGARDS TO ENGAGEMENT AND INCLUSIVITY ATTRACT GREATER REPRESENTATION FROM ALL SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY. Our actions and programs should reinforce the message that sport is equally the domain of men and women, boys and girls. Everyone has different reasons and motivation for becoming a coach. Equally, every coach brings a different life experience both within and outside our sport. Diverse skills, experience and styles of coaching in basketball will strengthen our sport. More coaches equals more choice, diversity, knowledge, skill, options, volunteers, resources and experience. Coaches have an impact on young people getting involved in sport and staying active. Therefore, it is important that you have a diverse coaching workforce that can meet the needs of all participants. Coaching females can be different to coaching males. For example, due to their own personal preferences, cultural traditions or religious beliefs, some women feel more comfortable with female coaches. WHERE ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALES TO COACH? There are great opportunities for women to enter the coaching spectrum through involvement at every level. In Victoria, associations offer coaching positions at different levels from Aussie Hoops through to representative basketball at both junior and senior level. The pathways for coaches also mimic the pathway for athletes and officials and can start at very junior levels, such as the successful BVC Skills Days leading to the Basketball Victoria Country U12 Jamboree and BVC Regional Academy and to events like the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) and Southern Cross Challenge. FEMALES SHOULD WANT TO COACH AT YOUR ASSOCIATION. FEMALES SHOULD FEEL ENCOURAGED TO COACH AT YOUR ASSOCIATION. FEMALES SHOULD KNOW THEY HAVE A PATHWAY AT YOUR ASSOCIATION. MEGAN MOODY, CURRENTLY WNBL ASSISTANT COACH WITH THE BENDIGO SPIRIT AND FORMERLY BASKETBALL VICTORIA NITP PROGRAM HEAD COACH AND BVC REGIONAL ACADEMY HEAD COACH, U20 VICTORIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WINNING ASSISTANT COACH, BIG V YOUTH LEAGUE HEAD COACH, BENDIGO BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION REP HEAD COACH AND DOMESTIC COACH WITH THE PHOENIX BASKETBALL CLUB. Megan is a former WNBL player who also had stints in the WNBA and Europe. As a junior, Megan was a Victorian state representative before moving to the US to play at the University of Tulsa. The extensive basketball knowledge Megan developed as a player has assisted her to make a smooth transition into coaching. Q: What is your favourite aspect of coaching at the community level? A: I think my favourite aspect would be seeing a younger player, who has been working on a specific skill, finally succeed and get it right! The smile on a players face and the pure joy that they get from finally succeeding in getting that skill right, or even better, executing it in a game, puts a smile on your own fact when you see how happy they are. Q: Have you always been drawn to coaching beyond your playing days, and who enticed you to consider coaching? A: As a player, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to retire. I had always imagined that I would play the game as long as I could but sometimes life has a different plan when one door closes, another door opens! My parents really encouraged me to get involved in coaching and I was able to transition from a playing role into a coaching role with the Bendigo Basketball Association, at both a domestic and representative level. For me, coaching was a way to stay involved in the game and enabled me to give back to the next generation of players coming through. Q: What are your three favourite aspects of coaching? 1. I love the game. I want to be able to share the knowledge that I have learnt from my time playing here in Australia and overseas with the next generation of female players. I think it s really important to give back, there were plenty of coaches who helped me whilst I was playing, so for me, it s really important to make sure I m paying that forward. 2. It s very rewarding to see players grown and develop not just in their on court game, but also in their personal lives off the court. To see athletes grow in confidence and stand taller and prouder, to see their communication skills develop to the point that they can confidently hold a conversation with a stranger, and to see leaders emerge, all through a game that they all in enjoy is pretty rewarding. 3. I come back to my first point, I just love the game! It s hard to put into words what my three favourite aspects are, because there is so much that comes to mind. The people you meet and the friendships you make along the way, the memories you make over the years, the highs and lows that you go through, it s all so much more than just a game I think that s why I love being apart of this sport so much. MEGAN MOODY

8 STRATEGIES TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN NEW FEMALE COACHES COACHING PARTICIPATION RATES AMONG WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE MUCH LOWER THAN MEN. ACCORDING TO THE 2017 BVC FEMALE COACHING STUDY, MANY REASONS FOR THIS GENDER GAP CAN BE GROUPED AS PRACTICAL AND PERSONAL AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND CULTURAL. Practical barriers Lack of confidence in a male dominated environment 11 per cent of coaches at the London Olympic Games were female, only 4 per cent of articles in media feature women s sport. (ICCE Women in Coaching London 2012 Olympics Report Card tabled in June 2014 at the 6th IWG World Conference on Women in Sport) Lack of transport Lack of money and funding Personal safety Access to facilities Work, family or study commitments Practical barriers Lack of confidence Lack of support Social barriers Dominant culture Attitudes and prejudices Unconscious bias Lack of role models Cultural barriers Racism or discrimination Inflexible uniform codes Gender roles Language Can you think of a player, administrator or coach who stopped participating at your organisation for any of the above reasons? What could your association have done to keep that person playing, volunteering or coaching? BARRIERS FOR NEW COACHES There are a number of reasons or factors that discourage prospective coaches such as: Lack of confidence in a male dominated environment 11 per cent of coaches at the London Olympic Games were female, only 4 per cent of articles in media feature women s sport Lack of confidence in ability and/or knowledge Attitude and perceptions about ability and/or sexuality Work, family or study related time commitments The following approaches can assist you in recruiting female coaches: Promote the benefits of coaching, not just the skills required Make it easy to get involved - offer the right time, place, resources and support Adapt roles and schedules - don t expect women to change to fit your sport Formalise and normalise coaching - promote female role models in your association Use current and former players who are enthusiastic and have the time to commit Consider offering value add-ons for players who coach i.e. discounted playing fees, compensation for their time Reward existing coaches in tangible and visible ways create interest and excitement around coaching at your club Advertise locally: social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) local businesses, schools (teachers have experience dealing with children and school hours can generally suit club training schedules), target University or TAFE students who may have more flexible time commitments and may be studying a related topic Target and tell identify women in your association with the appropriate skills to coach and tell them they should be coaching and provide them with the relevant information for consideration Word of mouth and local knowledge ask active people in your association who they think would be a great coach and do this more than once Find ways that you can make the introduction to coaching less intimidating! Some ways you could do this: Provide adequate information about the role Create a job description for every coaching position - club, representative, coordinator, director, assistant Explain the level of development and support a coach will receive Reflect your membership on your coaching selection panel - have an inclusive panel Have a point of contact for applicants - encourage new coaches to discuss their application Profile the journey of an experienced coach in your association - outline the time it took them to feel confident, the number of peers who encouraged them, the rewards, the highs, the lows, why they coach, why they started coaching, coaches they admire Make sure each new and aspiring coach has an experienced mentor who is enthusiastic, patient and welcoming Introduce them gradually use holiday camps or bring them to sessions on an ad hoc basis throughout the season until they feel they are ready commit for the season Conduct an annual grassroots coaching course for all players to gauge interest in coaching (in any form) for the upcoming season Create a coaches scholarship

9 RETAINING FEMALE COACHES SOME COMMON REASONS FEMALE COACHES LEAVE THE GAME The coach s child/children leave the association Perceived lack of support and professional development Male-dominated culture Work, family or study related time commitments Can t afford the related expenses (travel, accommodation, annual leave) How to retain current female coaches and coaches of female teams Create a strong culture amongst your female coaches as well as the coaches of female teams. Provide them with opportunities to get to know each other outside of the regular training and playing environments. This will help address some of the main reasons female coaches leave the game. A strong and supportive culture within an association, where coaches support and encourage one another and are prepared to help each other out when necessary, makes for a far more welcoming environment. Once you have coaches on board, your association will need to showcase that you value the impact your female coaches have within the association. THIS CAN TAKE THE FORM OF Developing your coaches through mentoring, co-coaching, attaining accreditation, seminars, workshops, coaching practice sessions, resource books and journals, social media and online resources, appraisals and/or review, training needs analysis, personal development plans and a coach buddy program. Appointing a coach coordinator and training that coordinator in gender equity Offering female only coaching courses Linking new coaches with other new coaches at nearby associations Creating a coach s calendar Promoting coach s achievements through association newsletters or social media Develop a coach pathway and promote that pathway Align your coaching pathway with the BV Coach Accreditation System and BVC Coach Pathways Set targets for the number of coaches attending BVC Skills Days, your Regional Academy, the Gold Nugget Camp and other training days as on floor or network coaches Paying for, or subsidising, coaching courses and providing holistic training for your coaching staff letting them develop all the skills required to be a good coach Ask them what they would like to do to become better coaches Coaches may need assistance with equipment, training plans etc, as well as wanting to progress as coaches. Provide a pathway to the next level and opportunities for progression. Some coaches will want to progress a higher level, which could open up a wide variety of different avenues for them. If you have coaches who want to take the next step... congratulations! Your association is doing a great job at developing coaches who are passionate for the game and want to stay involved for an extended period and it s important that you encourage them with whatever path they want to take. A COACH S STORY Gail McFarlane, Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association I began coaching at domestic level in Traralgon some 11 years ago when my son began playing. As often happens, parents are asked to volunteer which I did, not knowing it would be the start of my coaching journey! Coaching at domestic level is still something I continue to enjoy. A couple of years later I was appointed as an U10 Squad coach when my second child entered the squad basketball system. I can tell you I was hooked, and from there went on to coach or be a squad assistant coach for our association continuing to this day. I have had roles in both girls and boy s teams at under-10s, 12s, 14s and 16s. I ve found it far more rewarding than ever dreamed, and now love coaching teams that don t involve my own children, where I can enjoy being coach instead of juggling hats as parent and coach. For the past three seasons, I have also coached in the Melbourne Utd. Victorian Junior Basketball League for Latrobe Energy Basketball, an altogether different coaching experience but just as exciting and rewarding. I ve found it far more rewarding than ever dreamed, and now love coaching teams. This has served to grow my credentials, with coaching players from outside my home association and in doing so, formulating strong networks within other local associations. My pathway continued with Victoria Country, beginning approximately six years ago, volunteering as a floor coach at U12 and U14 Skills Days. From there I have team managed and coached at the BVC U12 Jamboree, U14 Gold Nugget Camps and as assistant coach, then head coach for Victoria Country teams at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. What an amazing experience it is getting to work with the best Victorian country athletes, developing their skills, introducing them to the Country system of play, refining their games and developing their basketball IQ and of course, sharing a love for the game. I m looking forward to many more years coaching at these levels and hope one day to be part of the state or national coaching panel. I relish opportunities to learn more about the game, challenge myself and learn from others. My involvement in the sport comes from enjoying a healthy lifestyle and a passion for the game, something I m all too happy to share with others. GAIL MCFARLANE

10 A COACH S STORY Emma Henry, BVC Network coach (North East) and Victoria Country Academy coach Twice named Victoria Country Coach of the Year, Emma Henry coaches juniors and seniors in North East Victoria. In 2016 Emma continued her development to become one of the leading female coaches in country Victoria. Emma coaches at the Wangaratta Basketball Association within their Rep program and won the 2016 BVC Country Championship Division 2 title with her under 16 boys team. Emma was appointed Victoria Country under-18 girls assistant coach with the team earning a bronze medal at the 2016 National Championships in Adelaide. In 2017 Emma was selected as a Victoria Country under-16 girls assistant coach and collected a silver medal at the 2017 National Championships, being defeated in overtime by Victoria Metropolitan. Emma is also part of Justin Schueller s National Training Program as a Network coach for the North East area and is also a Victoria Country Academy coach. EMMA HENRY October 2017 Border Mail newspaper article The North-East Bushranger Men s Team will look to build on their 2017 season with the appointment of coach, Emma Henry. Henry will take over from long-time Bushrangers mentor Jacqui Henry after spending the last four seasons with the club as an assistant. The incoming coach has a wealth of experience, notably being named the Basketball Victoria Country Female Coach of the Year for the last two years. My aim is to expand on the foundation laid by Jacqui and have those young players that debuted in 2017 take the next step, Henry said. Q. You predominantly coach male basketballers, which typically for a female coach is not common, in fact only 2 to 3 per cent of male teams in sport have a female coach. Are there any unique obstacles that you have had to overcome? A. From the players no, I have always found that they respect me as a coach. For them it is all about what you can teach them, not about whether you are male or female. I wouldn t say so much that there are obstacles, more that people (officials, other coaches and spectators) always assume you are the manager and come up and ask you who the coach is, it is just an assumption that I must not be the coach because I am a female. Q. What is your coaching philosophy? A. To provide the opportunity for athletes to achieve their full potential. Q. What advice would you give a young female coach starting out? A. Don t stand back because you think you are not up to it, put your name in the hat and give it a go. It is the only way you will learn and develop as a coach. WHAT HAVING FEMALES AT OUR ASSOCIATION MEANS TO US BASKETBALL VICTORIA COUNTRY (BVC) IS CONSTANTLY SEEKING FEEDBACK ON VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS THAT ARE OPERATED BY BVC AND OUR ASSOCIATIONS. The feedback is utilised to understand opportunities, better plan for our future and read the climate of our members and participants. As part of the development of the Basketball Victoria Strategic Plan , BVC consulted widely with our members and a high priority project for a specific Female Participation Project was formulated To assist associations, understand the benefits of having a strong local female competition, leading to a strong female pathway, with good representation of female coaches and female committee members, here are some testimonials from associations: Our association loves having lots of female juniors, they bring in new volunteers and have lots of fun. Graham Robinson Domestic Coordinator, Wallan Basketball Association You should be looking at developing female participation and competition, women improve the social fabric of the association, financially they offer value, they are diligent and good contributors to the association. Matt Royal, Administrator Churchill Senior Basketball Association Having the Female CBL team has added a new dynamic to our association and improved our culture. Peter Lemke President, Colac Basketball Association The junior squad girls add lots of excitement and the parents of the girls really get involved. Kira Ryan Squad Coordinator, Hamilton Basketball Association For us it means the whole family can be at the one association we start at Aussie Hoops and can go through to Senior Rep. Andria D Angelo, Parent The research conducted by Basketball Victoria Country, including these testimonials, have helped shape the BVC focus on the recruitment and development of Female coaches and Female participation in general and to support BVC Associations continue to develop and evolve the community female-friendly association ideal.

11 WHAT FEMALES WANT FROM THEIR BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE FEMALE PLAYER FEEDBACK HAS ASCERTAINED WHAT FEMALE BASKETBALLERS WANT MOST FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE SPORT. Have FUN with their friends Be competitive Improve their fitness A coach who talks respectively to their players Improve their skills and basketball knowledge IMPLICATIONS FOR COACHES Provide fun training sessions. Use a variety of ways to deliver your message, e.g. use a whiteboard to demonstrate set plays, show correct technique with video replay, hand out a sheet describing what to do in certain situations, etc Use the players background in other sports or activities to teach specific skills Encourage your athletes sandwich one piece of constructive advice between two positive comments Include time for chats during training and encourage association social events Impart basketball knowledge and language in context - don t assume the players understand basketball terms Ensure you have a coaching philosophy that balances what the players want with what you would like them to achieve Listen to your players opinions make them feel included Improve fitness through a variety of fun activities such as small games, setting individual improvement goals A COACH S STORY Sarah Huxtable, previously Bendigo Basketball Association I STARTED MY COACHING PATHWAY AT WALLAN BASKETBALL IN THE DOMESTIC COMPETITION, WHILST STILL PLAYING. I THEN ADVANCED TO OPERATING SKILLS SESSIONS AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND COACHING WITHIN SQUAD/ REP PROGRAMS AND THROUGH THE VICTORIA COUNTRY PATHWAY. I REALLY ENJOYED DEVELOPING THE SKILLS OF THE YOUNG INDIVIDUALS I WAS COACHING. I really enjoyed developing the skills of the young individuals I was coaching. The greatest enjoyment had as a coach was when I was appointed the head coach for the Victorian Country Ivor Burge Women s team for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability. My role included all aspects of selection, preparation, arranging training sessions, practice games and trainings, organising the team outings and being in charge of the welfare of the team during the trip away to nationals, held in Tasmania in 2015 and Queensland in When I look back at the difficulties I ve experienced as a coach, almost all originated due to poor communication or could have been prevented with better communication. I feel that you should always be upfront and candid with athletes. In my experience, a brief positive word exchanged before practice, a game or even in the car park on the way home can be very encouraging. SARAH HUXTABLE

12 GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR COACHING FEMALES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN COACHING MALES TO FEMALES? Melbourne Boomers WNBL Head Coach, Guy Molloy believes there should be minimal differences between coaching females and males, and that the philosophy and manner of delivery by the coach is the determining factor on a player s enjoyment. When coaching females, regardless of whether the coach is male or female, trust, respect and effective communication is the key to a positive experience for all involved. This will happen when the coach s behaviour is: Consistent, regardless of the situation Mature, showing the coach respects the player Transparent with a clear decision making process Male coaches should understand that females may have a different, and often more refined social radar or emotional quotient (EQ) than males. Female players generally have no issue with coaches keeping them accountable to rules, standards, and behaviours so long as coaches, particularly male ones, remember to remain consistent, mature, and transparent. Guy has coached extensively in basketball in Australia commencing in the WNBL in 1989 with the Canberra Capitals and has since been a head coach in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans and WNBL with the Perth Breakers and Melbourne Boomers. Guy has also coached three Australian junior men s teams, achieving a World Championships silver medal in 2012 with the U17 Australian Men s Team. He is a FIBA accredited Master level coach. In 2017, Guy was appointed as associate coach to Kennedy Kereama with the New Zealand Tall Ferns, leading into the 2017 FIBA Asia Women s Cup. Guy is in his fifth year as head coach of the Deakin Melbourne Boomers and has twice been named WNBL Coach of the Year. BASKETBALL VICTORIA WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE BASKETBALL VICTORIA FEMALE COACHING DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION TOOLKIT TO ASSIST IN THE RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION OF FEMALE COACHES AT ASSOCIATIONS. In particular, thank you to the coaches profiled, who have provided us with feedback based upon their own individual experiences. Data and findings presented in this toolkit has been derived from a number of sources including the 2016 Basketball Victoria Country Female Coaching Study along with a range of studies across female participation in basketball in Australia and across the world. It also looked at research conducted in other sports to gain the knowledge and to gather base data for this project. The Australian Sports Commission has completed a number of research projects around this and related topics and can be used as a valuable source for further information by associations. Greater Northern Region Megan Moody megan.moody@bvcc.net.au Greater South East Region Jodie Harlow jodie.harlow@bvcc.net.au Greater Western Region Trevor Newcombe trevor.newcombe@bvcc.net.au Or the Basketball Victoria Country Office: admin@bvcc.net.au Here are some tips and advice for coaches of females of any age, which will help them to earn trust and respect from their players: Ensure everyone feels welcome, engaged and valued. Teach the skills and concepts of the game at a level applicable to the age and ability level of the players; don t be afraid to inspire girls to improve. They will thrive in this environment. The Victorian Country Commission has adopted a number of projects that will look to develop female participation in our sport over the BV Strategic Plan period Basketball Victoria s Coach Development staff have worked alongside the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball Development Officers to deliver this project and other coach development initiatives across Victoria. If your association is seeking further information or needs assistance to develop initiatives around this project, please contact your Basketball Region s BDO: Build confidence by giving positive feedback where deserved. Use the growth mindset philosophy to let players know that mistakes are part of getting better and that consistent, focused effort will deliver the largest rewards. Build resilience by teaching the players that difficulties encountered today, may be solved tomorrow. Finally, females can be very concerned with capability to perform a skill or activity at their first attempt boys will be far more likely to try or, in other words, just have a go. So, the coach may need to learn that encouragement and patience is required, particularly with players who are only just beginning.

13 Basketball Victoria State Basketball Centre, 291 George Street, Wantirna South, VIC 3152 Postal Address: PO Box 4140, Knox City Centre, VIC 3152 Ph: Fax: