A Critical Analysis of Korfball as a "Non-Sexist Sport"

Sex equality in sport will always remain an illusion as long as the macho character of modern competitive sport dominates. Against this background the claim of the International Korfball Federation that they are promoting a competitive sport as "the passport to coeducation" can be considered interesting and challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent korfball, as it is institutionalized and played in The Netherlands, does, in fact, substantiate this claim. The division of power between male and female players was estimated by a systematic observation of 26 matches at the highest competitive level and by ascertaining the number of male and female presidents and secretaries throughout Dutch korfball clubs. In addition, a questionnaire served to compare the perceptions of male and female korfball players with those of male and female basketball and handball players with regard to sex stereotypes and instrumental aggression. The evaluation of the data showed on the one hand that the equal division of power between males and females in korfball leaves much to be desired and on the other hand that korfball could contribute towards reducing macho perceptions in competitive sport.