The Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is "to foster the growth and development of ethnic minorities at all levels of sports both nationally and internationally". It currently is focused on athletics in North America, including professional leagues, college sports and high school athletics. The organization offers scholarships and actively promotes the hiring of ethnic minority coaches in professional and college sports.
The BCA was formed in 1988 as the Black Coaches Association, when two separate African American coaching groups (basketball and American football) merged and extended their work to coaches in all sports. The organization has been focused on improving the employment opportunities and professional development of ethnic minority coaches. Initially the organizations focus was on African Americans, but it has since expanded to all minority ethnic groups. On May 31, 2007, the name was officially changed to the Black Coaches & Administrators to clarify the expanding membership population of administrators and coaches within the BCA.
The BCA has long been highly critical of the lack of African American, and minority coaches in general, in college football—particularly in the highest, NCAA Division I FBS level. Noting the high number of African American players in college football, the BCA has been concerned that there have only been 19 African American FBS college head coaches ever. However, the group's president expressed optimism for the future in December 2009 after African Americans were hired for three FBS head coaching vacancies immediately after the 2009 season, and two more African Americans interviewed for open positions at BCS conference programs. The three hirings brought the total number of black FBS head coaches from 7 to 10, with the total increasing to 11 days later when one of the interviewees was hired. By the end of December, the number went to 12 when Kentucky replaced its retiring coach with his designated successor.
In 2015, the organization changed its name to Advocates for Athletic Equity (AAE) and expanded its role to promote the hiring of coaches and administrators of any ethnic minority in all sports. In addition to releasing reports on minority coaching hiring, the organization hosts several career development events for minority coaches. AAE closed in 2016.
referenceEver curious about what that abbreviation stands for? fullforms has got them all listed out for you to explore. Simply,Choose a subject/topic and get started on a self-paced learning journey in a world of fullforms.
Allow To Receive Free Coins Credit 🪙