Sexual harassment in collegiate sport

The purpose of this study was to examine sexual harassment in collegiate athletics concerning possible differences in the perspectives of athletics directors, coaches and women athletes. The sub-problems of the study focused on several areas of sexual harassment: (a) whether the world of sport promotes actions of sexual harassment in sport, (b) whether the types of behavior individuals see at an early age have an effect on their views of sexual harassment when they are in college, (c) gender differences concerning the perceptions of the amount or existence of sexual harassment in sport, (d) gender differences between coaches and athletes enhances the act of sexual harassment in sport, and (e) the prevention of sexual harassment occurring within collegiate athletics departments.

A selected group of athletics directors, coaches and women athletes were sent the sexual harassment questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 223 individuals who were selected from Division I universities from a conference in the east and a conference from the west.

The results from the study will help other Division I universities by serving as a model for attaining gender equality. This will be a solid tool of reference for these institutions to have in order to measure their own progress with that of other universities. They will be able to determine where their institution is and what steps need to be taken in preventing sexual harassment from occurring within their programs. Not only can this knowledge benefit athletics departments, but it also may directly affect women coaches and athletes within the departments, allowing them a greater opportunity to participate in athletics.