Coaching and Officiating Women and Girls Resources
Why is this important?
It’s important for coaches and officials to understand these considerations because they directly shape how women and girls feel, participate and stay in sport. When we understand their needs, we can create safer, more supportive and more enjoyable sporting environments.
What are considerations?
Physical considerations are how the body moves, grows and manages load, including injury risks, strength and recovery.
Physiological considerations are how biological factors like menstruation, menopause and hormones affect participation.
Psychosocial considerations are how confidence, relationships and social expectations shape experiences in sport.
Physical Considerations
Physical considerations require coaches and officials to think about how movement, equipment and environments affect women and girls, and to adapt their practice so participants feel safe and supported.
Examples of physical considerations which impact women and girls include:
- Higher risk of ACL injuries, particularly in high-impact sports and during adolescence.
- A need for well-fitted breast support.
- Uniforms and equipment that may not be designed with women and girls in mind.
- Clothing requirements that conflict with cultural or religious requirements.
- Different rates of physical development across age groups, influencing strength, coordination and readiness for different activities.
An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, often cause by sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction.
Good breast support reduces pain and discomfort, helping women and girls feel confident and able to participate fully in sport.
Most research into sport injuries has been based on men and boys. Research into the types of injuries that affect women and girls as well as injury prevention strategies specifically for women and girls is still evolving.
"99% of Australians are not going to be elite sportspeople, but that doesn't mean that sport is not important to us." (Caitlin Beale, Mum, Melbourne)
Watch Caitlin and her daughters story here, opens in a new tab.
Learn more about how these coaches and officials have applied their knowledge about physical considerations to their practice and how this has improved the experience of women and girls in their teams and sport.
Powerlifting coach helps all women feel strong
Isabel shares her experiences and how she helps women of all ages find their strength.
Swimming official reflects on how her injury opened a new door
Mhairi shares her experiences on how her community supported her to stay involved post injury.
Physiological considerations
Physiological considerations involve understanding how biological factors influence participation, and how coaches and officials can adapt to support women and girls with different needs.
Examples that can specifically impact women and girls include:
- The menstrual cycle and related symptoms and cycle abnormalities, which can affect energy, comfort and performance.
- Puberty, which brings rapid changes in height, weight and coordination.
- Hormonal contraception, which can influence recovery, mood and physical response.
- Perimenopause and menopause, where changes in hormones can impact sleep, energy, and thermoregulation.
- Differences in bone density development, which may affect injury risk and training needs.
Menstruation can impact participation in sport through pain, fatigue and discomfort, as well as stigma or lack of access to appropriate products and support.
Hormonal contraception is commonly used by women and girls, and while it can help manage symptom and provide choice, it may also influence energy levels, mood and recovery in sport.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and low energy availability (LEA) happens when someone burns more calories than they take in.
Dementia is a brain condition that affects mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. As it progresses, it can make it harder for people to live independently.
Bone health is an important consideration for coaches and officials working with women and girls, around half of all women and one of third of men over 60 are impacted by osteoporosis.
During adolescence, the onset of puberty can bring with it a lot of changes and can impact girls experiences in sport.
Pelvic floor health is important for women and girls to continue to enjoy participating in sport.
Menopause and perimenopause is a natural stage in life at the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 56 but can start earlier for some.
"Beck (my coach) was so understanding that we were learning and made it so easy to learn from those mistakes." (Samara Lichaa, Surf Boat Rower, Sydney)
Watch Samara and her Surf Boat teams story here, opens in a new tab.
Learn more about how these coaches and officials have applied their knowledge about physiological considerations to their practice and how this has improved the experience of women and girls in their teams and sport.
Swimming coach helps girls talk about their period
Kareena shares her experiences on how she builds trust with teenage girls to have important conversations about their period.
Netball mentor shares how flexibility helps girls stay in umpiring
Janet shares her experiences in helping more girls to enjoy umpiring through flexibility, advocacy and mentorship.
Psychosocial considerations
Psychosocial considerations focus on the social and emotional factors that shape how women and girls experience sport, and how coaches and officials can create safe, supportive environments.
Examples that can specifically impact women and girls include:
- Confidence and self-belief, which may be influenced by past experiences in sport.
- Body image pressures, particularly during adolescence.
- Gender stereotypes and social expectations that affect who feels welcome in sport.
- Peer relationships, which can strongly influence whether girls stay engaged.
- The need for inclusive environments that respect cultural identity, sexuality, and lived experiences.
Motherhood can significantly shape women’s sporting experiences, with social expectations, time pressures, and identity shifts adding psychosocial challenges, alongside the physical recovery and physiological changes that also impact participation.
Women and girls often face greater social pressures and stereotypes in sport, so active support to build confidence and self-belief is vital for them to feel capable, included, and motivated to stay involved.
Body image concerns, often heightened by societal expectations and media portrayals, can affect how comfortable women and girls feel participating in sport and whether they choose to stay engaged.
Inclusion and respect are essential because women and girls experience sport differently depending on factors like culture, ability, sexuality, and identity, and recognising this intersectionality ensures everyone feels valued and supported.
Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different ways the brain can work. It includes autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, and various mental health and personality conditions.
Supporting men and boys to understand and act in their roles as supports of gender equity is an important step for improving sporting environments for women and girls.
"My daughter tried football and she gave it a full season, I was really proud of her for that. But I think the environment wasn't right for her. The environment was based around winning, based around goals - I was a big creator of that. (Josh Muir, Dad and Coach, Alice Springs)
Watch Josh and his clubs story here, opens in a new tab.
Learn more about how these coaches and officials have applied their knowledge about psychosocial considerations to their practice and how this has improved the experience of women and girls in their teams and sport.
Athletics coach shares how she helps others support women and girls in sport
Sharon shares her experiences on how she supported others to understand their role in creating safe spaces for women and girls.
Canoe slalom coach shares how she helps teenage girls love sport
Alex shares her experiences on how she has created supportive and understanding environments for teenage girls.
Netball coach shares her experience in creating fun and competitive experiences
Renee shares her experiences on how she has balanced creating social and competitive environments.
Water polo coach shares how he helps girls build self-belief and confidence
Josh shares his experiences on supporting girls to build self-confidence and develop skills.
Football referee shares her reflections on the power of community
Molly shares how community and family helped her love and stay in refereeing
AFL coach shares how she helps girls build confidence
Tiffany shares how she builds girls skills on and off the field