Gender does not matter. Skill set does.
Beth Whaanga currently coaches men’s rugby. I asked Beth about her experiences as a female coach of a male team.
I’ve coached across different age groups and genders. Often there’s an assumption that male coaches work within men’s teams and female coaches operate within women’s rugby.
Beth works within men’s rugby and discusses her thoughts on gender bias and how clubs can help.
My current role is Director of Rugby and Head Coach Men's First Grade Southern Cross university "Gold Rats".
I got into coaching due to my Dad. He played at a high level and was a local coach, referee and club president.
More women will coach if they are provided pathways after they stop playing. Courses should be paid for by their local clubs to increase women's participation in the game.
If every local club put at least one woman through a coaching course each season, our numbers would increase exponentially.
We need to provide experienced coaching mentors, pathways and ensure women are given opportunities.
Encourage women to apply in advertisements. Provide adequate support whilst filling for roles and give constructive feedback.
Being a coach can be a challenge but is rewarding.
I have experienced many challenges from sexual harassment, bullying, conscious and unconscious gender bias.
This includes nasty rumors about how I got roles. I once had a player’s girlfriend chase me down a field as she didn't like a woman coaching her boyfriend.
I've been told to "go back to girls”. People are often shocked when they find out I don't coach women.
A female coach is good enough to coach at any level and with any team, regardless of the players’ gender.
I’ve also had to fight to be let into the level three course.
It’s tough. I persevere for the love of the game and to aim to be a role model for future female coaches.
It’s the doubt about my competence that bothers me the most.
My gender should not matter only my skill set.