How to Calculate Equity Gaps

Research shows that athletes in a positive youth sports environment, guided by a caring and supportive coach, can fully experience the many benefits that sports offer. Unfortunately, not all youth, especially those living in underserved communities or belonging to marginalized groups, have access to this positive youth sports experience.

The sports equity gap refers to disparities in access, opportunities, resources, and outcomes in youth sports between marginalized groups—such as those defined by socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, disability, etc.—and their more privileged counterparts. These disparities are often driven by systemic barriers and unequal resource distribution.

The first step a sports leader can take towards closing the sports equity gap is to identify what gaps exist and then think about the barriers that contribute to those disparities. This guide outlines the framework for how we calculate sports equity gaps.