Sport, sexuality and sexual abuse

This chapter explores important issues and debates around the construction of gender and sexuality in sport. We explore the challenges that heteronormative constructions of gender and sexuality can play for the marginalisation of athletes who do not conform physically or sexually to these normative ideals. Further to this, and drawing upon findings from a series of reports into sexual abuse in a variety of sports, we problematise the closed nature of sporting communities and the way in which this can facilitate harmful sexual behaviours. Drawing upon a case study of ice hockey which has witnessed a number of hazing, voyeurism and other sexual abuse scandals, we highlight some of the important changes are required at micro, meso and macro levels to better protect athletes and reduce the potential for abuse to occur.