England Hockey announced on Wednesday a new rule that will stop transgender women from competing in the women’s category starting next season.
To handle transgender and non-binary participation, the governing body has created two competition categories: female and open. The open category will allow all players, including transgender and non-binary individuals, to compete.
England Hockey Announces New Rule for Transgender Women in Women’s Category
The review of the old policy started in July 2023, with input from the Sports Councils’ Equality Group. England Hockey said, “Based on this information, we decided that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy should limit trans participation to ensure fair competition.”
“We are dedicated to helping all players affected by this decision to find the best way for them to keep playing hockey,” the organization added.
The new policy is set to come into force on September 1, aiming to guarantee an equitable playing field for all competitors in hockey. The new policy, effective from September 1, aims to “ensure everyone can participate in the playing of hockey in a fair way.”
England Hockey’s Review of Participation Policies and Impact on Trans Athletes
The governing body started reviewing its previous participation policies in July 2023, using advice from the Sports Councils’ Equality Group to help shape the new rules.
“After careful consideration of the provided evidence, we have reached the conclusion that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy must impose restrictions on trans participation. This measure is crucial to maintain fair competition within the sport,” stated England Hockey.
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Several other sports bodies have recently implemented similar restrictions on transgender women’s participation in elite women’s events. The Lawn Tennis Association has banned transgender women from certain domestic tennis and padel tournaments, while the LPGA Golf Tour announced last month that transgender women who underwent male puberty would be ineligible to compete in the 2025 season.
Earlier, the England and Wales Cricket Board declared in October that any player who underwent male puberty would not be eligible for top-tier women’s cricket after 2025.
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