Speakers
Description
Rationale: There have been increasing calls to amplify marginalized voices across sport studies (Fink, 2016); yet the process of recruitment may be complex reflecting the inequitable systems of power that silence the voices intended to be studied. This is an important issue to understand as the recruitment process has a significant impact on the feasibility of a research study and influences knowledge creation (Andoh-Arthur, 2019; Clark, 2010; De Laine, 2000). This paper, through a feminist paradigm, aims to discuss the difficulties experienced when attempting to amplify marginalized perspectives in sport research. Specifically, we examine and reflect upon, the difficulties we encountered when studying professional female athletes and (inequitable) sponsorship experiences due to various gatekeepers and systemic inequities (English, 2020; Fink, 2016; Toffoletti & Thorpe, 2018; Tredway, 2014).
Findings/Implications: Our methodological reflections explore three main challenges we encountered including; i) the gatekeeping role of player agents who specifically seek out monetized opportunities, ii) resistance across clubs/league who, were under an external investigation related to widespread abusive practices, and iii) a lack of physical and emotional capacity from professional female athletes to participate in research, mirroring the inequities professional females face compared to their male counterparts. These reflections highlight the challenges researchers should consider when their research aims to amplify traditionally marginalized voices in professional sport with lessons learned along the way.
