Transgender gamers will probably be banned from competing in ladies’s hockey as of subsequent season, England Hockey has introduced.
The governing physique mentioned that the safety of “fair competition” was behind the transfer that may see the introduction of separate feminine and open classes, thereby ending trans participation within the ladies’s sport.
The choice comes following a evaluation carried out in session with steering issued by the Sports activities Council Equality Group (SCEG), and rests on the belief that “hockey requires the physical capabilities of strength, endurance, speed and acceleration as key factors for success,” and is thus a “gender-affected sport.”
In a press release, England Hockey mentioned: “Based on this evidence, we have determined that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy should restrict trans participation in order to secure fair competition.
“We’re dedicated to supporting all affected gamers to make sure they discover the proper path for them to proceed to take part in hockey.
“The new Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy has been developed to ensure everyone can participate in the playing of hockey in a fair way.”
The adjustments will come into impact on September 1, in time for the beginning of the 2025/26 season, till which era transgender athletes will probably be permitted to proceed competing within the feminine class.
The evaluation of transgender participation – which England Hockey has described as “comprehensive” – was launched in July 2023 following the publication in 2021 of SCEG tips on trans involvement in feminine sport.
It follows motion taken by a number of governing our bodies in different sports activities together with the Garden Tennis Affiliation, the LGPA Golf Tour, and the England and Wales Cricket Board in limiting the participation of transgender athletes in feminine classes.
Athletics, biking and swimming have additionally launched new insurance policies alongside related strains.
