World Netball made headlines on Monday with the release of its new participation and inclusion policy, which includes a ban on transgender women from competing in women’s international netball.
The global governing body stated that the ban would take immediate effect following the unveiling of the updated policy. After conducting extensive consultations, World Netball concluded that international women’s netball is considered a “gender affected activity,” necessitating the implementation of measures to ensure fairness and safety.
According to the new policy, women’s netball at the international level will only be open to players identified as female at birth, regardless of gender identity. Transgender athletes who wish to participate must demonstrate to World Netball’s satisfaction that they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any point.
Decision was based on robust scientific research and consultations
In its statement, World Netball emphasized that the decision was based on robust scientific research and consultations with experts and members, with the goal of upholding fairness and safety in the sport.
While national governing bodies have the flexibility to adapt or opt out of these guidelines based on their own criteria, World Netball’s policy will undergo annual review.
This move by World Netball follows similar actions taken by other sports organizations, such as swimming’s Fina, the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union, World Athletics, world cycling’s governing body the UCI, and the International Cricket Council, which have also implemented restrictions on transgender women participating in women’s elite events or competitions.
