In addition to providing opportunities for student-athletes, collegiate sports also provide opportunities for coaches and other sports professionals. Besides helping athletes develop their skills, such programs also help coaches understand their potential. Nevertheless, when it comes to leadership among collegiate athletes, a narrow group dominates. Therefore, diversification and inclusion are needed in leadership positions to break down existing barriers.

A data review of racial, ethnic, and gender representation in leadership roles within intercollegiate athletics has already been conducted by the board of governors of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Women and people of color are underrepresented in these positions, according to the board in 2016. In addition, the board affirmed that the committee would make every effort to diversify the athletic leadership.

What Did the NCAA Pledge to Bring About in Terms of Diversity and Equity in Collegiate Sports Programs?

1. The committee vowed to continue promoting inclusiveness, gender equity, and racial and ethnic diversity. It will also be reflected in each hiring procedure carried out by all collegiate sports committees.
2. In addition, the committee vowed to seek qualified individuals of any gender or race. The purpose of the initiative is to promote their retention in key positions such as coaches and athletic directors.
3. All the colleges will be informed of the results of a periodic diversity, inclusion, and equity evaluation.

How Can We Bring Equality and Diversity to Leadership Roles in Collegiate Athletics?

• Effective recruitment process

Thousands of sports professionals aspire to don the colorful collegiate gear as a coach or team captain. But with so many applicants, uncovering and recognizing the ideal candidate might be challenging. Colleges must therefore host events on campus or conferences inviting sports professionals from various locations. Their participation aids in identifying more talented individuals who may be able to lead the team in the right direction or make important contributions.

• Choosing women leaders

It is unusual to see female leaders in high numbers at all levels of collegiate athletics. As a result, colleges need to discover more role models to inspire others and set an example. Finding female coaches or the most talented student-athlete who can head the soccer team and help them win matches is necessary.

• Selecting athletes of different races or ethnicities

 Not every talented athlete from every racial or ethnic group has the opportunity to coach a team or advance to the next level in their collegiate sporting career. Therefore, institutions need to remove this barrier and allow more individuals from different ethnic groups a chance to hold some of the most significant positions.

• Successful retention

Only by diversifying recruitment methods the problems will not be solved. As a result, action should be taken to maintain their motivation and show them appreciation for their accomplishments. Additionally, it is the organization’s responsibility to create rigorous policies that will protect them from harassment. In this method, colleges can keep a valuable sports professional based on talent alone.

• Diverse professional engagement

 Although all members of a collegiate sports team don the same collegiate apparel, how they interact with one another strengthens the team. That’s why professionals need to engage in additional activities, and this will bring more opportunities to communicate with each other. Therefore, it’s crucial to ask minority faculty members, coaches, and athletes to represent the institute at events or seminars. They will thus have the option to communicate with other institute heads and those from outside.

• Proper training and promotions

Great leaders also need the right training and other chances to shine. Because of this, it’s also essential that the institutes find underprivileged skilled talent and give them the training they require. Additionally, female leaders must be allowed to obtain crucial positions in management committees or other similar jobs. To assist in making important decisions, institutions should permit professionals from different ethnic groups to join the company’s management board.

Endnote

Every sports professional should have equal opportunity, whether they are gifted students or coaches. The beginning of one’s career is in college athletics. Thus there shouldn’t be any limitations to allow any skill to develop to its full potential.

Institutions must develop an open and effective hiring procedure that will help find the best talent without requesting information about a candidate’s race or gender. Additionally, retaining competent experts won’t seem difficult if there is significant room for advancement. Allowing an experienced coach to join the board and contribute their valuable advice is required to improve the organization.

Read Also: 5 Highly Relevant Executive Coaching Benefits