Women in Coaching: Frustrated and LATE!

Am I crazy? Is it NOT 2024? I'm doing a double take, shaking my head.

Our provincial sport governing body, is hosting their annual coaches clinic. An online clinic, meaning zero travel costs associated with hosting this event for participants or presenters. Zero. So technically, they could ASK and GET anyone in the world to present at this event. Anyone. But they don't. Who DO they get? Men. Not one woman. Five male presenters.

I have a HUGE problem with this. The representation and messaging this sends out across our province and to all levels of competition is that "Men coach basketball". Now, before I completely spiral with rage, I DO check myself. "Jaime, c'mon maybe this is just a one off year, maybe there are good reasons?"... Already, as a female, I've been trained to check my own natural reactions, because the truth is, that in our conservative society, any other response from me as a female asking this question, I'd be considered a "Bitch". When the truth is, I'm actually advocating for my gender.

I sit on this discrepancy and my anger for 4 days. (I shouldn't have to, but I do). And I'm still angry. I'm still upset, disheartened and sad for women and girls like me everywhere.

Before I do anything else, I research. It's as bad as I think it is. How many female presenters have spoken in the past five years? Since 2020, they have only had 3... of a total 24 presenters... ; a measly 12.5%!!! Not even 15% representation!!! I'm now horrified and disgusted. No wonder, nobody blinks twice when a male coach is chosen over a female coach! Its considered the normal "standard" set out by our governing board on all things basketball in Manitoba, PSO. Head slap.

My next step? More thoughtful research. I want to find out, I now need to find out HOW and WHY this is happening? Have a conversation. Ask questions. I ultimately know, it will eventually lead me to ask myself, beyond complaining, what am I willing to do about it?

First EVER Women's Basketball Coaches Clinic in Manitoba?

It's not only time, we're actually really late!