Underrepresented groups in sport.

The idea

Underrepresented groups are sections of the population whose participation in sport is lower than expected relative to their numbers, often because of barriers rather than lack of interest. Groups commonly discussed include women and girls, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, some ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities. Barriers can be practical, such as cost, time, transport and limited accessible facilities, or social, such as stereotypes, discrimination and lack of role models. Strategies to raise participation include targeted funding, inclusive coaching, accessible venues and positive media coverage. In a multiple-choice question, identify the option that correctly names a barrier or a strategy and reject distractors that misattribute the cause, for example blaming low participation on personal choice when cost is the real obstacle.

What earns the marks

• Identifies underrepresented groups accurately, such as women and girls, lower socio-economic groups, some ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities.
• Distinguishes practical barriers, including cost, time, transport and facility access, from social barriers, including stereotypes, discrimination and lack of role models.
• Recognises that underrepresentation reflects unequal opportunity rather than inherent lack of ability or interest.
• Selects the option that correctly links a barrier or strategy to the group affected and rejects distractors that misstate the cause.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming low participation means the group is not interested.

  Put it right: Barriers such as cost, access and discrimination reduce opportunity.

• Confusing a barrier with a strategy.

  Put it right: A barrier restricts participation, such as high membership fees, while a strategy increases it, such as subsidised sessions.

• Treating all underrepresented groups as facing identical barriers.

  Put it right: Different groups face different combinations, for example disabled participants may face inaccessible facilities while women may face stereotyping and media underrepresentation.

Exam tips

• Read every option fully and eliminate those that blame the group rather than the barrier.
• Check whether the option describes a cause of underrepresentation or a solution to it, since the question will specify which is required.
• Where two options seem similar, choose the one that names a specific, verifiable barrier or strategy rather than a vague generalisation.