The NWHL is taking a monumental step forward towards inclusion with a new policy announced on Tuesday. The league now has a transgender policy, which sets the standard for trans athletes in the league.
The policy was written with the You Can Play Project and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, detailing what needs to happen for a transgendered person to play in the league. Here are details of the new policy via Jenn Neale of Puck Daddy.
Considering the most up-to-date medical and expert information available at the time of the implementation of this policy, participation is open to:
1 – People designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.
1.1 The athlete may not take testosterone hormone therapy. Athletes transitioning to male who undergo hormone therapy will be ineligible to compete.
2 – Those who transition from male to female are eligible to compete under the following conditions:
2.1. The athlete has declared that her gender identity is female. The declaration cannot be changed, for sporting purposes, for a minimum of four years.
2.2. The athlete must demonstrate that her total testosterone level in serum is within typical limits of women athletes.
2.3. The athlete’s total testosterone level in serum must remain in the typical range of women athletes throughout the period of desired eligibility to compete in the female category.
2.4. Compliance with these conditions may be monitored by testing. In the event of non-compliance, the athlete’s eligibility in the league will be suspended for 12 months.
So, essentially, the NWHL is opening up to more players regardless of their gender at birth. There’s still strict guidelines on qualifying, but there’s a clear precedent now in place. It’s awesome.
“The NWHL recognizes all forms of gender expression. Therefore, the NWHL supports athletes choosing to express their gender beyond the binary of female and male. The NWHL will use the eligibility guidelines set out in this policy in order to ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants.”
With a clear set of rules, it’s truly groundbreaking the NWHL is welcoming of all athletes. The guidelines are strict, but it’s crystal clear what rules will have to be adhered to for a transgendered athlete to appear in the league. It’s great to see the league being proactive in introducing a policy which will hopefully encourage more players to suit up.
Honestly, a similar policy should be mandated in all sports. It’s time we push past supposed gender roles and let people play who should be playing. Kudos to the league.
