Coaching female combat athletes: Creating positive environments for women and girls

This chapter discusses several problems facing women and girls participating in combat sports, recommending practical steps that coaches can take to help overcome them. Of particular focus are issues that, while being highly significant to (some) women in these environments, may not be apparent as ‘problems’ to others in this field, particularly men. Given the general trend for combat sports to be numerically male-dominated, and the tendency for coaching roles to be held by men, it is argued that raising these issues to view is important in ensuring women’s experiences are properly understood. Discussion is framed by drawing on academic literature, research, and first-hand experiences of participating and conducting applied work throughout this field. Although the chapter is specific to combat sports, the discussion held therein applies to other male-dominated sport settings where women are coached by and/or train alongside men.