Gatekeeping in High-Performance Settings

Gatekeeping is an ever-present feature in the distribution of and access to educational resources in many aspects of our lives. In high performance domains, a gatekeeping process determines acceptance into elite training programs, invitations to perform, drafting onto elite sports teams, and matriculation into graduate school. Gatekeeping can be defined as the process by which an arbiter influences high performers’ transitions between and ascension within developmental stages and can culminate with outstanding performance in a field. In this article, we briefly review the history of the research of gatekeeping. Next, we consider criteria that are specifically related to the role of gatekeeping in high performance and, then, we explore gatekeeping in the domains of the performing arts, sport, and academics. The final section discusses future directions for investigation and enhancement of the practice.