Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

William F. Buckellew

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of the high school girls' track and field programs in Illinois. Track and field for Illinois high school girls' has been in existence for seven years and is recognized as a growing sport. Coaches throughout the state were selected to participate in the study and a questionnaire was used to gather information. Information was gathered concerning the initial organization of the girls' track and field program in each school, the percentage of male and female coaches, their educational and coaching background, teaching loads, other coaching duties, number of participants on the team, grade level of the participants, date of the first organized practice, number of hours spent in practice each week during the season, the size of school, the quality of equipment and facilities, coaches salaries, the attitudes of students, faculty, administrators, parents, and other coaches toward the program, district titles won, state records and school records.

Based upon the questionnaire the following selected findings were presented:

  1. The coaches of the larger high schools complete higher education levels. More class "AA" high school coaches hold a Master's degree and hours past a Master's degree than in the smaller schools.
  2. Girls' track and field coaches usually teach only physical education or physical education in a combination with another academic subject.
  3. Most coaches felt they were fairly well qualified to coach girls' track and field but male coaches tend to feel, more than women coaches, they are highly qualified.
  4. Track and field coaches of both class "A" and "AA" schools tend to coach only one sport.
  5. Male and female coaches of class "A" schools receive comparable pay for coaching girls' track and field. However, more class "AA" male coaches receive salaries in a higher range than women.
  6. Illinois high school girls coaches are prepared for coaching track through attending methods classes, clinics, and workshops. Few coaches have received preparation through intercollegiate experience.
  7. In each of the sixteen events contested by Illinois high school girls in track and field the class "AA" schools have better records than the class "A" schools.

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