Policy-related factors exist as a result of policies that govern the sport & physical activity community. Some policy-related psycho-social factors that are relevant for women & girls in sport & physical activity are:

• (in)appropriate or low quality programming
• instructor, coach & teacher training
• physical education curricula
• the portrayal of (un)realistic & (un)healthy body images in promotional or marketing materials & the media, & mixed messages about the importance of physical activity & sport (e.g., to look “fit” for appearance-focused reasons rather than for overall health & well-being; lack of diversity in images)
• resource allocation (financial, facility & human resources)
• policies that are cognizant of the complexities of women’s & girls’ lives, which include societal/cultural stereotypes, family demands, role conflicts or role imbalances (whether as a participant, athlete, coach or volunteer)
• the Canadian sport & physical activity system structure
• the existence & implementation of gender equity policies.