Jumping the boards : making decisions about playing female hockey

Abstract

This research study explored the social and personal dynamics of adolescent female involvement in hockey in Newfoundland. An interactionist perspective was used to address the process that guided young females' decisions to engage in hockey. -- Grounded in an interpretative, qualitative framework, focus group interviews were conducted with 31 young women, 12-17 years of age. In order to qualify as eligible participants in this study, athletes had to be registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Association as members of a female hockey team. Interviews focused on the athletes' initial interest in the sport of hockey, their integration into the game, and their reasons for maintaining their involvement in this pursuit. The study provided these athletes with a forum to discuss the gender factors that facilitate and constrain their participation in female hockey, and, in some cases, male hockey. Information collected from focus groups was continuously analyzed and compared to ensure a rich description and interpretation of participants' experiences. -- The findings reported on the socializing agents and significant events that encouraged female participation. From the perspective of the interviewees, female hockey was described as a challenging sport with fulfilling interpersonal relationships and opportunities for increasing confidence and self-esteem that attracted and retained their enthusiasm and commitment to the game. As well, hockey gave them a chance to broaden their socialization patterns as they defied traditional gender role expectations. Thus, recommendations were made to foster the growth of female hockey in Newfoundland as an option for young women interested in engaging in a very rewarding athletic opportunity.