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The aim of this paper is to explore how female players of Basque pelota (pelotaris) construct their gender identity in a traditionally masculine sport. The theory of performativity is used to understand how females negotiate, resist or challenge the dominant gender discourse. Data were collected through 10 in-depth interviews with players. Through inductive analysis we found that the sociocultural context surrounding Basque pelota reinforces the binary system of gender embodiment, which includes hegemonic masculinities and idealised femininities. However, our findings also suggest that whilst some players adhere to this dominant discourse, others actively resist and transgress it through the embodiment of alternative identities. In doing this, these players create new and inclusive identities, therefore escaping a simplistic binary and embracing a multiplicity of gender identities. As a result, they can become active agents in the promotion of equity in sport.

The aim of this study was to analyse the meanings that underlie women's participation in and commitment to leisure-time sport related to Basque pelota. Thirty-eight women between 22 and 60 years old participated in this ethnographic study, which conducted 21 semi-structured interviews. The theoretical framework used for the analysis was informed by a feminist approach and the Serious Leisure Perspective. A hybrid approach, deductive-inductive coding was employed. The data analysis revealed that recreational and competitive female athletes had different levels of engagement and attributed different meanings to their sport practice depending on their form of participation, their commitment, and the lifestyle built around it. It is concluded that the seriousness with which the activities are carried out influences the sport involvement of female Basque pelota players, which should be taken into account to adapt the activities and make an offer related to the characteristics of each pelotari type's context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BackgroundPurposeMethodFindingsConclusionPhysical Education (PE) is a space for both the reproduction and change of power relations, due to its close relationship with physical activities and sports (PAS) and its masculine tradition. It is still deeply rooted in the perpetuation of hegemonic masculinity and its consequent behaviors. These behaviors, typically exhibited by boys, contribute to the discrimination experienced by many students whose characteristics do not align with the traits of hegemonic masculinity. Poststructuralist feminism recognizes all individuals as active participants in the negotiations of gender power relations, and therefore does not consider girls as passive victims of oppression. In other words, although it might appear that they are being passive in their actions, these attitudes indicate a resistance to engaging in a technical and traditional PE which perpetuates hegemonic masculinity.The objective of this study was to analyze the experiences of inequality experienced by women in PE during their childhood and adolescence.The participants were 17 women aged from 18 to 46 years old from the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Spain). Four in-depth interviews and four focus groups were conducted. The transcripts were analyzed inductively, and a category system was constructed.The participants highlighted how their experiences were negatively affected by the following consequences of hegemonic masculinity and power relations: PE Teachers in the spotlight – Authoritarian, contemptuous, and passive attitudes of teachers toward girls and their traditional approach were a relevant factor for many of them to lose interest in PE.Gender issues – The attitude of most boys caused many girls to stay on the sidelines due to the reproduction of qualities such as superiority, violence, aggressiveness, or competitiveness, as well as behaviors of ridicule and humiliation toward students who did not meet the expectations of motor abilities.Learned (in)ability – Since childhood, they believed that they were not good at PAS due to the messages received from society. Additionally, they felt intimidated in competitive contexts, which made it very difficult for them to successfully participate in a performance-focused PE.Discussion: Participants viewed PE as a hostile environment, where the majority of girls, as well as other students who did not conform to hegemonic masculinity, faced discrimination. However, the students' decision to stay on the sidelines was an attitude of resistance, refusing to participate in the reproduction of toxic masculinity and patriarchy.PE Teachers in the spotlight – Authoritarian, contemptuous, and passive attitudes of teachers toward girls and their traditional approach were a relevant factor for many of them to lose interest in PE.Gender issues – The attitude of most boys caused many girls to stay on the sidelines due to the reproduction of qualities such as superiority, violence, aggressiveness, or competitiveness, as well as behaviors of ridicule and humiliation toward students who did not meet the expectations of motor abilities.Learned (in)ability – Since childhood, they believed that they were not good at PAS due to the messages received from society. Additionally, they felt intimidated in competitive contexts, which made it very difficult for them to successfully participate in a performance-focused PE.It is crucial to recognize the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity and the exertion of power that discriminates and oppresses others in PE. This can serve as an initial step to encourage positive, inclusive experiences and meaningful learning, counteracting the reproduction of traditional models. Likewise, it is important to empower girls and transmit to them their ability to transgress and transform the dominant roles of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim was to analyze the differences between wheelchair basketball players with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and without Spinal Cord injury (Non-SCI) in psycho-physiological response and neuromuscular fatigue in a series of small-sided games (SSG). Methods: Thirteen high-level wheelchair basketball male players (age 28.8 ± 9.2 years, body mass 75.9 ± 11.3 kg) participated in four versus four SSG once a week for five consecutive weeks. Absolute and relative heart rate (HR) during SSG and muscular and respiratory perceived exertion (RPEmus and RPEres), tympanic temperature, and acceleration capacity were recorded at the end of each SSG. Results: No significant differences were observed between SCI and non-SCI players in relative HR variables in SSG series. However, the SCI group had a lower absolute HR (mean HR and peak HR) (p <.05 or p <.01, ES = 0.73–1.39) and higher perceived muscular load (RPEmusTL) (p <.01, ES = 0.75–0.82) during SSG. Regarding the evolution of the physiological response, no differences were observed between the four bouts in the SCI group. However, the Non-SCI group showed an increase in the absolute and relative variables of HR and RPEres and RPEmus (p <.05 or p <.01, ES = 0.45–1.06). On the contrary, only the SCI group showed a loss of acceleration capacity between the four series (p <.05, ES = 0.28–0.35). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there are differences between SCI and non-SCI wheelchair basketball players in their physiological response and acceleration capacity during SSG tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women do less physical activity than men, and physical inactivity among women is higher during active years (ages 18–65). In addition, women residing in rural areas do less physical activity than those living in urban areas. The aim of this study was to analyze the habits, motivations, and barriers linked to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among women of rural areas of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain), from a socioecological and feminist approach. Two hundred and ninety-six rural women from Gipuzkoa, aged 18–65 (41.1 ± 11.2), answered the Gipuzkoa Women's Physical Activity Questionnaire. Pearson's chi-square test and independent samples test were used to compare the responses between the active and inactive groups. 62.8% of the participants were active, while 37.2% were inactive. In terms of intrapersonal factors, being fit was the main motivation for doing LTPA, and lack of time was the main barrier. Among the interpersonal factors, the main motivation was being in contact with friends and people they enjoyed, and the main barrier was not having someone to go with. Motherhood was not an impediment to do LTPA, and the support received from partners, family, and friends made it easier for the subjects to remain active. The influence of the physical environment and sociocultural factors was small, with the COVID-19 confinement being the main reason motivating LTPA, and the weather the main barrier. There are multiple factors that affect LTPA among rural women, and it is important to consider this collective's diversity in order to promote healthy lifestyle habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on gendered experiences of sportswomen in a traditional male-dominated sport in the Basque Country, named Basque pelota. From the 1990s, women play in regular championships, occupying a central public space in the Basque culture and challenging the gender order. The aim of the study is to ascertain and comprehend the barriers these women face and how they manage to persist in this context. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with female Basque pelota players. Data were analysed through inductive codification. Players stressed being constantly obliged to face gender discrimination, feeling 'undervalued' and discriminated against as 'outsiders'. Even so, they persist in this sport by their human agency, thanks to their empowerment, fighting spirit and determination to surpass discriminatory barriers. The sense of belonging and mutual support is fundamental in order to become fully involved and make a stand for a better future for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]