In a unanimous decision that's stirring the pot in intercollegiate athletics, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has essentially sidelined transgender athletes from women's sports. As reported by WABE, the NAIA's Council of Presidents dropped the hammer with a 20-0 vote on a new policy restricting transgender athletes' participation.
Under the new guidelines, any athlete whose sex assigned at birth is female and who hasn't initiated hormone therapy is green-lighted for women's sports. By contrast, should a student begin such therapy, their involvement is capped at practices and team activities, minus any live interscholastic competition. This move by the NAIA, which represents about 83,000 student-athletes across numerous institutions, is a first for a college sports organization in the U.S.
Exempt from this blanket policy, as highlighted by WABE, are competitive cheer and dance, where all students, regardless of their gender identity, can participate. “Each NAIA sport includes some combination of strength, speed and stamina, providing competitive advantages for male student-athletes. As a result, the NAIA policy for transgender student-athletes applies to all sports except for competitive cheer and competitive dance, which are open to all students.” the NAIA stated.
While the number of transgender athletes in high school and college is thought to be relatively small, they have become a focal point in the tug-of-war over inclusivity and fairness in sports. Certain states, numbering at least 24, have laws on the books that prevent transgender girls and women from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. The NCAA has pursued a different tack, emphasizing its commitment to fair play while pledging to uphold Title IX's non-discrimination tenets. “College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America and the NCAA will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships.” the NCAA countered in a statement soon after the NAIA's announcement.
In light of the NAIA decision, the NCAA, which has had a policy regarding transgender athlete participation since 2010, is poised to add national and international sport governing body standards to their existing protocol starting August 1, for the 2024-25 school year. This would be the third phase in a series of policy updates aiming to harmonize the NCAA's guidelines with those of major sports governing bodies.
