FIBA addresses high player dropout in women's basketball in Europe
SOPRON (FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016) – In cooperation with the Hungarian University of Physical Education, FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak met with parents and players in Sopron on Sunday morning to address the issue of the high dropout of players in the women’s game.
In a unique cooperation, FIBA and the Hungarian University of Physical Education have conducted in-depth transcontinental research to investigate patterns related to the high dropout of female basketball players moving from youth to senior level basketball.
FIBA Europe Youth Commission President Aris Zois, who was also in attendance on Sunday morning, stressed the importance of this research.
"To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time FIBA has been involved in such a project in Europe," expressed Mr Zois. “While there is some research at national level, it is important to address the problem at the international level and to identify trends common to the majority of European countries.
"Once we have identified the trends, we have a solid basis to address the problems."
In addition to Dr Tamas Sterbenz and his team of researchers from the Hungarian University of Physical Education, who presented their work to the gathered parents, current German national team player Svenja Brunckhorst also spoke passionately about the subject.
"From when I played at U16 national youth level, only one of my team-mates is still playing. Germany is a big country and this dropout rate is simply too high.
"It is great to see that FIBA are committed to addressing the reasons for these trends. It is important we work together to do something."
Mr Novak spoke encouragingly of the work that has been done so far, echoing the words of Mr Zois.
"This is an important first step we have taken by beginning this research. However, we cannot just think now that the work is complete. We must use the study of Dr Sterbenz and his team as a platform to take this issue to the next level."
For more information on the study, please click here.
FIBA
