Research Report: Female Sport Uniforms - A New Zealand NSO Analysis
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2024-03-12
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Background and Objectives: While athlete/participant perspectives on female sport uniforms are a common focus for existing research within this domain, there is limited research on the individuals and groups that lead sport uniform-associated decisions, including the establishment of directives by sport governing bodies. This report presents current perspectives, decision-making processes, and directives pertaining to female sport uniform designs - as led by New Zealand National Sport Organisations (NSO’s). It also establishes if any uniform changes have been contemplated in light of the rising attention on women in sport.
Literature Review Findings: Existing research suggests that uniform design elements (such as the cut, colour and tightness) can have a significant impact on self-perceived body image (Krane et al., 2004b; Nemeth et al., 2020b; Fang, Sun, Ahmed Laar & Lu, 2022). In alignment with these findings, Kosteli et al. (2014) suggest body dissatisfaction can be more prevalent in females participating in competitive sport due to associated social pressures regarding athletic physique. In many cases the fit of female sport uniforms is associated with sporting performance, i.e., it holds a particular function. Yet such designs can still reduce self-perceived body image and a loss of confidence (Nemeth et al., 2020b). The integration of stakeholders’ perspectives is key to an overarching understanding of the ways that body image can be addressed for females involved in sport (Koulanova et al., 2021b). Common stakeholders identified in female sport uniform design include the athlete (or participant), coaches, parents, peers and sport organisations. Coaches can be key agents within sport when it comes to the development of body ideals (Murphy et al., 2012; Warner et al., 2013).
Findings: Of the original 30 NSO managers contacted, 26 completed the survey link. This equated to an 87 per cent response rate. 81.8 per cent (n=18) were aware of female sports uniforms style aspects that were affecting player confidence or anxiety. 59.1 per cent (n=13) noted that they had subsequently made changes to female uniforms. Survey respondents were presented with a list of seven possible uniform-design-related reasons for player loss of confidence and feelings of anxiety. Responses varied depending on the organisation and sport.
Conclusions: Our findings acknowledge the key role NSO’s hold in leading sport-uniform associated decisions, thus providing an alternative viewpoint to existing studies on female sport uniform designs that primarily incorporate the athlete voice. The study also provides insight into organisational approaches to female sport uniform designs at regional and national levels of competition/representation, while factoring in requirements that may fall outside of the decision-making processes of NSO’s.
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Batty R. (2024). Research Report: Female Sport Uniforms - A New Zealand NSO Analysis.