World Netball has introduced a ban on transgenders from participating in women’s international netball competitions.
The decision is effective immediately and follows the release of a new participation and inclusion policy by the global governing body on Monday.
After a thorough consultation process, World Netball concluded that international women’s netball qualifies as a ‘gender affected activity,’ necessitating a new policy to ensure fairness and safety.
According to the new guidelines, only players registered as female at birth, regardless of gender identity, are eligible to compete at the international level. Alternatively, non-female athletes can participate at the highest level but only if they can demonstrate to World Netball’s satisfaction that they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any point in their lives.
In a statement, World Netball emphasized the importance of the policy in maintaining fairness and safety in the sport, citing robust scientific research and consultation with experts and members. While the international policy sets a standard, national governing bodies have the flexibility to adjust or not apply these guidelines based on their own criteria.
Like a trans woman in a netball skirt, this really showed some balls…