Determining whether gender equality exists for women in the position of coach and athletic director in the NAIA and NCAA division I institutions

This research attempted to determine whether gender equality exists in the positions of athletic director and coach at the intercollegiate level of athletics. Questionnaires were randomly sent to athletic directors and coaches in the NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions. Questions pertained to: (a) the number of women who actually hold coaching positions in the NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions, (b) the number of women who actually hold athletic directing positions for women's basketball in the NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions, (c) does discrimination exist for women in intercollegiate athletics, specifically for women in athletic directing and coaching positions in the NAIA & NCAA Division I, (d) what factors influence whether gender equality exists for women athletic directors and coaching positions (e) what resources are available to athletic directors and coaches in the NAIA & NCAA Division I. The results of the study revealed that gender equality does not exist for women in positions of athletic directing and coaching in the NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions. It was concluded that: (a) women do not hold decision-making positions in the NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions for coaching or athletic directing, (b) men have a powerful influence in the hiring of women for positions as coaches and athletic directors, (c) the pay equity between men and women head basketball coaches is not proportionate, (d) the equity of men's and women's budgets at NAIA & NCAA Division I institutions is not comparable, and (e) both male and female athletic directors and coaches believe that women have unspoken constraints on them when entering intercollegiate athletics as compared to males.