LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
A lack of investment in support staff, particularly physiotherapists and conditioning coaches, in women's sports is increasing the risk of injury for players and impeding the growth of female athletes.
Reports from various women's sports clubs, shared by ABC Sport, indicate that many qualified professionals are leaving the field due to inadequate pay and short-term contracts.
This issue gained significant attention recently when the Cronulla Sharks faced backlash for advertising a volunteer physiotherapy position for their women's team.
The role, which required involvement in four weekly training sessions, match-day responsibilities, and rehabilitation planning, was criticized by physiotherapists and the NRLW community for being "exploitative." In response to the criticism, Cronulla's chief executive, Dino Mezzatesta, acknowledged the issue, stating, "We can put up the hand and apologise.
How the site is designed, that's where they traditionally get posted, and it comes across as a volunteer role, but it's never been a volunteer role, it's always had attached to it an honorarium for that period of time."
This situation highlights the broader problems faced by women's sports regarding financial support and resource allocation, which could ultimately affect the quality of training and care available to female athletes.