Women's Sports Teams and Governing Bodies Failing to Safeguard Female Athletes from Online Abuse

Leading sports teams and governing bodies across football, cricket, and rugby union are failing to implement specific safeguarding policies to protect women from online abuse, according to a recent study. The research examined the public policies of 52 organisations and clubs, revealing a concerning lack of focus on combating abuse of female athletes. Female athletes face three times more online abuse than their male counterparts, with racist and misogynistic abuse being particularly prevalent.

Key Takeaways:

• 52 sports organisations and clubs across football, cricket, and rugby union were analyzed, revealing a lack of specific safeguarding policies to protect women from online abuse.
• The research found that clubs lack adequate protection against social media and are failing to manage the increased attention on female athletes.
• Female athletes face three times more online abuse than their male counterparts, with racist and misogynistic abuse being particularly prevalent.
• The study concluded that clubs and organisations are shirking their duty of care, shifting the responsibility onto athletes to safeguard themselves.
• Despite some campaigns to address online abuse, the study found that these efforts are often superficial and lacking genuine care and protection.
• Lead researcher Amberlie Williams stated that while some clubs brief players on safety and security online, these policies do not go far enough to protect female athletes.

Statistics:

• 29%: The increase in online abuse or threats faced by female footballers at the 2023 Women's World Cup compared to their male equivalents at Qatar 2022 (Fifa).
• Three times more: The amount of online abuse female athletes face compared to their male counterparts.
• 52: The number of sports organisations and clubs analyzed in the study.
• 29%: The proportion of female footballers who faced online abuse or threats at the Women's World Cup in 2023 (Fifa).

Sources:

• Communication and Sport journal (2023)
• The Guardian newspaper (no date listed)
• Fifa (2023)
• Sheffield Hallam University and University College Birmingham (no date listed)