Study of the decrease of female coaches of female athletics for Montgomery County, VA during the years 1972-1988

Abstract

The decrease of female coaches of female sports in Montgomery County, Virginia was studied. Data was obtained through the Virginia High School League Directory, supplemental duty records found at the Montgomery County School Board office and through the use of a questionnaire. Related research is presented showing a trend of the decrease of female coaches of female athletes and the increase of male coaches of female athletes at both the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels in states throughout the country. This paper introduces data showing a similar trend in the high schools of Montgomery County, Virginia where overall athletic opportunities have increased for high school females, but there has been a decrease of female coaches of female sports and an Increase of male coaches of female sports. Two main reasons given by the female coaches for leaving the coaching profession were the hours and teaching duties. Those schools involved in the study were Auburn High School, Blacksburg High School, Christiansburg High School and Shawsville High School.