‘Extensive work needs to be carried out’

Structural barriers and the lived experiences of players and staff involved in elite and sub-elite women’s Australian rules football competitions

Bibliographic Data

ID24230326
AuthorsKelsey Richards (0000-0002-1366-8013, Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University—Bathurst Campus), Chelsea Litchfield (0000-0002-1167-1374, Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University)
Year2026
Pages1-15
Publication date2026-06-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Sport Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-0981 • E-ISSN: 1743-0445
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17430437.2026.2681592
OpenAlexW7163665747
LanguageEN
References cited30

However, structural barriers are still prevalent. Structural barriers can disrupt the professionalization and growth of women’s sporting competitions and leagues. This research explored the lived experiences of players and staff working in the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) elite and sub-elite competitions. Specifically, this project focused on the perspectives of these individuals on the format and timing of the season, the use of facilities and grounds, rule adaptations and media coverage of the national AFLW competition. These perspectives are analyzed using an institutional theory lens which allows for a critical review of the operations and organization of the AFLW.

AFLW · gender equality in sport · Institutional theory · media coverage of women's sport · rule adaptation · structural barriers · Physical Education and Sports Studies · Sports and Physical Education Studies · Sports, Gender, and Society

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Open DOIOpen Access