MPs to examine sports officiating for women: Is it a level playing field?
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hear from umpires and referees across tennis, football and judo during the second evidence session of its inquiry: Beyond participation: Routes into sport for girls and women.
Meeting details
MPs on the cross-party committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, will examine women’s representation and progression in officiating across different sports. The session is likely to focus on routes into umpiring and refereeing, career development and employment conditions.
WEC’s inquiry examinesways women and girls can be involved in sport beyond participating as athletes, players and competitors. It will also cover sports science, roles in club administration and sports governance, plus access to sports journalism and broadcasting. The inquiry explores access from grassroots level and pathways to professional and elite careers.
The Committee published a report in March 2024 on the health and physiology-related barriers to girls’ and women’s participation and performance in sport and exercise.