AEA recently supported research conducted by Victoria University, the University of Wollongong’s Breast Research Australia, and Susan Alberti AC to inform the release of a new Insight Guide showing schools and sports organisations exactly how to turn awareness of breast-related barriers into practical action.
Most people involved in school sport and community sport know that girls and women drop out of physical activity at higher rates than boys and men. Far fewer know that a poorly fitted, or entirely absent, sports bra is one of the reasons why.
A new national study led by Victoria University’s Professor Clare Hanlon, Senior Research Fellow Dr Elliott Flowers, and the University of Wollongong’s Professor Deirdre McGhee, in partnership with AEA and supported by Susan Alberti AC, has surveyed more than 200 decision-makers, including coaches, teachers and committee members, across 153 sporting organisations and 73 schools.
The findings, published in Supporting Girls and Women in Sport: Decision-Maker Insights on Breast-Related Issues, Education and Sports Bras in School and Sports Kits, point to a clear and fixable gap between what schools and sports organisations know and what they’re actually doing.
What decision-makers told us
The people responsible for choosing sports kit items are well aware of the problem:
But awareness isn’t translating into action:
Why it matters
This gap sits on top of a body of existing research that AEA has drawn on in its own work with schools:
As Professor Hanlon put it, “Our research shows the importance for schools and sports to educate girls and women on well-fitted sports bras and recognise sports bras as an essential kit item. This is not rocket-science, this is a necessity if schools and sports want to improve participation and performance in sport for girls and women.”.
Professor McGhee, who’s research into breast biomechanics spans more than 25 years, added that high-support, correctly fitted sports bras can prevent or relieve breast-related problems during exercise. The International Olympic Committee now recognises sports bras as essential sporting equipment, not underwear, a shift in thinking this Guide is designed to bring into everyday school and club practice.
Former international netballer and sports commentator Bianca Chatfield, who backs the Guide’s message, said better bra support would have changed her own experience as an athlete, “I know firsthand the difference bra support can make. This guide highlights practical actions, and weblinks, sport organisations can take, including providing education and recognising sports bras as an essential part of a sports kit.”.
What’s in the Guide
The Insight Guide is built to move schools and sports organisations from good intentions to practical, evidence-based action. It includes:
AEA’s role
Active Education Australia CEO Gillian Manson said the Guide will become a core part of how AEA supports schools around the country to keep girls active and engaged in sport.
“This guide will become a resource in our training with educators across the country to assist schools to take informed, practical steps to support girls to remain physically active and engaged in sport.”
We’ll be embedding the Guide’s resources into our school membership offering, PD sessions and MOVE conference programs in the months ahead, so your team has practical tools ready to use, not just more research to read.
What you can do now
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