Policy protecting transgender participation in sport dropped by NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced changes to its transgender participation policy on 19 January.

The latest guidelines mean that trans women wishing to compete on a women’s team have to follow rules set by both national and international governing bodies, meaning a certain testosterone level will have to be met in order to participate.

Despite this, there was no medical or legal guidance provided in the announcement and “a sport-by-sport approach” will now be adopted to bring the NCAA in line with both domestic and foreign Olympic Committees.

“The NCAA Board of Governors on Wednesday voted in support of a sport-by-sport approach to transgender participation that preserves opportunity for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety for all who compete,” the newly announced policy states.

It adds that the changes “will take effect immediately,” meaning trans student-athletes will have to provide proof of sport-specific testosterone levels a month before championship selections.

From the 2022-23 academic year, these competitors will also have to show extra documentation six months after the first.

“Approximately 80% of U.S. Olympians are either current or former college athletes,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president, in the announcement. “This policy alignment provides consistency and further strengthens the relationship between college sports and the U.S. Olympics.”

The post Policy protecting transgender participation in sport dropped by NCAA appeared first on GAY TIMES.