BBC Scotland Sports News Correspondent Chris McLaughlin reported that the Scottish FA is making changes to its gender policy to prohibit transgender women from participating in women’s football. As of next season, only individuals who were assigned female at birth will be eligible to compete in women’s matches. Previously, transgender women were able to play in their affirmed gender category on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to testosterone levels.
The updated policy will impact all levels of competitive football in Scotland, including the grassroots level for players under the age of 13 and older. Despite the new regulations, it has been noted that there are currently no transgender women actively playing competitive football in Scotland. The decision to revise the policy was reached after extensive discussions and was finalized following a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming that biological sex determines a person’s gender under equality laws.
The Scottish FA’s move aligns football with the policies of other sports such as rugby, swimming, and athletics. In England, the FA permits transgender women to compete in women’s football if their testosterone levels are within specified limits and if they undergo assessment by a match observer. Notably, there are 20 transgender women who are registered to play amateur football in England, out of the millions who participate at that level.
The decision by the Scottish FA to update its gender policy represents a significant shift in the landscape of women’s football and reflects broader discussions around transgender inclusion in sports. By implementing these new guidelines, the governing body aims to ensure fair and equitable competition while also adhering to legal requirements and considerations. The move is part of a larger trend towards establishing clearer and more consistent policies regarding transgender participation in sports at various levels
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
