Introducing the WINS Women Sport Officials Toolkit: Revolutionising Gender Equality in Sport

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, the partners in the EU funded WINS project are thrilled to unveil the results of this groundbreaking three-year initiative aimed at improving the recruitment, retention and engagement of women sports officials (referees, judges, umpires etc). These new innovative tools and resources launched today are designed to engage, support, and elevate women officials across the world of sport.

Breaking Barriers, Shaping Futures
In the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity in sport, officiating is a crucial area for consideration. While significant steps have been taken to promote gender equality in sport, one area that continues to demand attention is the representation of women in officiating roles. Today, on International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers and shaping a future where women thrive in sports officiating.

The WINS partners are proud to introduce the Women Sport Officials Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to empower sport organisations in their quest to recruit, retain, and engage women officials.

Unlocking Potential Through Four Pillars
The Women Sport Officials Toolkit is structured around four pillars, each meticulously crafted to address the core elements of the process:

• Pillar 1: Women Officials Strategy and Planning
• Pillar 2: Recruitment, Management, and Retention
• Pillar 3: Marketing and Communication
• Pillar 4: Support Mechanisms and Positive Action

Navigating Your Journey with the Toolkit
The Women Sport Officials Toolkit goes beyond theoretical frameworks by providing practical tools and resources to guide sport organisations in their pursuit of gender inclusion. Whether you’re conducting a self-assessment of your current processes or seeking targeted learning resources, the toolkit offers a user-friendly interface tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Self-Assessment: A Path to Progress
Embark on your journey towards gender inclusivity by conducting a thorough self-assessment of your organisation’s processes. Through a series of targeted questions, visualise your organisation’s performance and identify areas for improvement. The self-assessment feature serves as a crucial first step in charting your path towards greater gender diversity in officiating roles.

Access Learning Resources: Empowering Change
Armed with insights from your self-assessment, access a curated selection of learning resources tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. From best practices in recruitment to strategies for retention and engagement, the toolkit equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to effect meaningful change.

Join the Movement
The Women Sport Officials Toolkit represents more than just a resource—it’s a call to action. By embracing the principles of inclusivity and diversity, sports organisations can not only enhance the quality of officiating but also create a more equitable and empowering environment for all. Join us in championing the cause of gender inclusion in sport officiating and unlock the full potential of the whole sporting community.

Empower change. Embrace diversity. Elevate sports officiating with the Women Sport Officials Toolkit.

Check out all of the WINS resources officially launched today

In addition to the toolkit, the WINS partners are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at revolutionising the recruitment and retention of women sport officials.

Unveiling the Resources
Our groundbreaking initiative encompasses a diverse range of resources specifically designed to empower sport organisations in their pursuit of gender equality in sport officiating:

WINS Research Report
The foundation of the WINS initiative was a research report which sheds light on the challenges and opportunities surrounding women’s participation in sports officiating. Drawing upon extensive data and insights, this report serves as a foundational cornerstone, providing organisations with invaluable insights to inform their strategies and initiatives.

WINS Compendium of Good Practice Examples
Inspirational stories have the power to ignite change. The WINS compendium of good practice examples showcases exemplary initiatives from across the sporting landscape, spotlighting organisations that have successfully implemented strategies to recruit, retain, and empower women officials. These stories serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding others on their journey towards gender inclusivity. The Compendium also includes case studies of high-achieving women officials and the challenges they overcame on their journey to the top.

WINS Mentoring and Leadership Guide
Mentorship lies at the heart of professional development. The WINS mentoring and leadership guide provides organisations with a comprehensive framework to establish robust mentorship programmes tailored to the needs of women officials. From pairing mentees with experienced mentors to fostering a supportive learning environment, this guide equips organisations with the tools and resources needed to nurture talent and foster growth.

Empowering Change
As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite sports organisations from all sports and nations to join in championing the cause of gender equality in sports officiating. Together, we can break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape for all.

Empower change. Embrace diversity. Elevate sports officiating with the WINS suite of resources for recruiting and retaining women officials. Together, let’s usher in a new era of gender equality in sports.

Full list of partners
European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE);
International Federation for Sports Officials (IFSO);
Association Française du Corps Arbitral Multisports (AFCAM);
Sports Officials UK (SOUK); European Athletics;
European Hockey Federation (EHF);
Dutch Olympic Committee * Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF);
University of Portsmouth;
National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski” (NSA).