Table 2.

Examples of codes and themes used during thematic analysis of the study.

TEMA	CODE	EXCERPT
The hope that future intra-group advancement will be possible within the current system.	Positive change Female member in MHK and Federation support is equal and fair There are no institutional barriers, there is development, there will be further development, rapid acceleration This was not the case in the past (more obstacles and pressure in the past), Equal opportunities now compared to the past TFF to publish equal instructions for men and women without discrimination,	Nilay: “I mean, I think women have more say now. For example, we even have a woman member in the Central Referee Board, which was not the case in the past, this shows that women are valued and they have a say. Therefore, I want this practice to continue.” Oya: “If women’s football develops, women’s refereeing develops and at some point women’s football also develops, so the federation is doing its part and supporting women. It puts women managers in every organization, so I think the situation is much better now than before.”
Legitimating Myths That Reduce Hierarchy	A more moderate point of view of fans, managers, coaches and athletes and a little bit of fan pressure Societal perspective: more rigid in the past, more constructive now, better than before There are positive developments. Women have been recognized in this field. No prejudice like before. More polite welcome and acceptance by field managers, field commissioners, facility supervisors, football representatives than men	Zeynep: … “but in the past it was different, now those taboos have been broken, so the trend is good”: Breaking down sexist taboos over time In the past, of course, there were more spatial problems, but now we see that they have been overcome, now that there is a women referee dressing room, I think this is a great start. Simge: It is in a much better position than it used to be, so people do not have as much prejudice as before, so now women can play ball, women can comment on football, women can referee.
Glass Ceiling: Organizational Factors	Not wanting female referees and observers in men’s matches (club pressure, obstacles) Not getting match assignments in top leagues; Stepchild treatment, discrimination, being put in the second plan (subordination, marginalization), Taking a long time to climb the career ladder	Ecem: “no coach used to want a woman referee” Sude: “There is gender-based injustice, I was always offered but not taken up”
Gender-based positive and negative experiences	Gender advantages: more positive approach, no swearing Courageous refereeing Celebrating bravery (players); Bias	Oya: “we female football observers trivialize or ignore sexist abuse by accepting (legitimizing) gender stereotypes as a fundamental part of the game.