World Athletics has banned transgender female athletes from competing in the female category at international events.
The president of the governing body, Lord Coe, said that no female transgender athletes who have gone through male puberty will be allowed to compete in women’s world ranking competitions from March 31.
A working group will be set up to conduct further research on transgender eligibility guidelines.
“We’re not saying no forever,” he said.
In the previous rules, World Athletics required transgender female athletes to reduce the amount of blood testosterone to a maximum of 5nmol/L, and to remain at this threshold continuously for 12 months before the competition.
Lord Coe added that the decision was “guided by the overriding principle of protecting the category of women”.
He noted that there are currently no transgender athletes competing internationally in the sport.
The World Athletics Council also voted to reduce the amount of blood testosterone allowed for athletes with different gender development (DSD), such as South Africa’s Caster Semenya.
DSD athletes will be required to reduce their blood testosterone levels to below 2.5 nanomoles per liter, down from five, and must remain at this threshold for two years in order to compete internationally in the women’s category in track and field events.
Under previous regulations, DSD athletes were limited to events from 400m to the mile.
Interim provisions will be introduced for DSD athletes who have competed in previously unrestricted events, requiring a reduction in testosterone levels below 2.5nmol/L for at least six months before being allowed to compete again.
“Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to consider that we must uphold fairness for female athletes above all other considerations,” Lord Coe said.
“We will be guided by the science of physical performance and male advantage that will certainly develop in the coming years. When more evidence is available, we will review our position, but we believe the integrity of the women’s category in athletics is most important. .”
The council agreed to create a working group for 12 months to “further consider the issue of transgender inclusion”.
An independent chair will lead the group, while it will also include up to three council members, two athletes from the Athletes’ Commission, transgender athletes, three representatives from World Athletics member federations and representatives from the World Athletics health and science department.
It will consult specifically with transgender athletes, as well as examine and research the commission and make recommendations to the Council.
‘Small support’ for previous selection – World Athletics
In January, World Athletics said its “preferred option” was to continue allowing transgender women to compete in the women’s category but tighten the sport’s eligibility rules, still using the testosterone limit as a basis for inclusion.
They have proposed that transgender women must reduce their blood testosterone levels to below 2.5nmol/L within two years, in line with amendments made last year by the UCI, cycling’s governing body.
However, World Athletics said there was “little support” for this option when it was presented to stakeholders, which include member federations, athletes, coaches, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as well as transgender representatives and human rights groups.
Many argue that transgender women should not compete in elite women’s sports because of any advantages they may hold – but others say sports should be more inclusive.
The debate centers on the balance of inclusion, sporting justice and safety in women’s sports – essentially, whether transgender women can compete in the women’s category without an unfair advantage.
The IOC framework on transgender athletes – released in November 2021 – states that there is no presumption that transgender athletes automatically have an unfair advantage in women’s sports events, and gives responsibility to individual federations to determine eligibility criteria in these sports.
Source: BBC
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