Abstract

Since 1994, quotas have been a part of the national discourse, as a means of increasing the representation of ‘Black’ players in South African sports teams. This qualitative study investigated players’ and key informants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a quota intervention in South African cricket. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with elite players from all ethnic groups (n = 43), and with key informants (n = 16). Data were thematically analysed relative to barriers and enablers of talent development. Findings indicate that despite providing opportunities to an increasing number of Black African players at the representative levels, and inspiring young players to play cricket, the quotas have had a limited effect on other barriers and enablers to talent development. Holistic player development was identified as a more effective process of achieving sustainable transformation. Furthermore, quotas have had a negative impact on individual players of all ethnicities and exacerbated the limited inclusivity in team environments.

摘要

自 1994 年以来，配额已成为国家话语的一部分，作为增加南非运动队中“黑人”球员代表性的一种手段。这项定性研究调查了球员和关键知情人对南非板球配额干预有效性的看法。对来自所有种族的精英球员 (n = 43) 和关键知情人 (n = 16) 进行了半结构化访谈。针对人才发展的障碍和推动因素，对数据进行了专题分析。调查结果表明，尽管为越来越多具有代表性的非洲黑人球员提供了机会，并鼓励年轻球员打板球，但配额对人才发展的其他障碍和推动因素的影响有限。整体球员发展被认为是实现可持续转型的更有效过程。此外，配额对所有种族的个体球员都产生了负面影响，并加剧了团队环境中有限的包容性。