Systems analysis of abuse, power, and inequity in Canadian sport
July 2021-May 2022 / Sole Contributor / Graduate Capstone Project
As my Master’s capstone, I mapped power structures and system relationships contributing to harm in Canadian sport. Applying foresight and systemic insight, the research surfaced structural leverage points including insights to inform early-stage policy conversations around athlete protection and institutional accountability.
Key activities
Systems and stakeholder analysis, exploration of an ideal future, strategy development, report design, research and analysis.
Focus areas
Systems analysis, human factors, policy opportunities, equity, governance reform.
Awards
Honourable Mention for the Graduate Program Medal and President’s Award
OCAD University | 2022
Abstract
Reports of abuse in sports continue to emerge in the news alongside increasing calls from athletes for systemic change. Recent research and news stories highlight the continued and widespread prevalence of maltreatment across the sports system. The problem has been explored over the past several decades by athletes, researchers, and coaches among others with many recommendations for improvements being made. Despite positive strides, the problem persists.
Building on the existing body of work, the following research explores the persistence of maltreatment and inequity in Canadian sports. Asking the question how might we reconsider power to build a safer, more equitable sports system, I examine the structures and influences that contribute to the problem. I examine public cases of abuse and first-hand perspectives to identify the relationships and primary sources of power shaping stakeholder behaviours. These insights are used to uncover opportunities to rethink the current power distribution and identify influential leverage points for change. It concludes by exploring an ideal future and providing strategic recommendations to move towards it.