The debate over the inclusion of transgendered athletes in women’s events is a hot topic at present after two governing bodies suspended their participation.
Less than a week ago the Fédération Internationale de natation (FINA) voted in favour of banning transgender women from elite swimming events if they have experienced any part of male puberty. Their decision is based on the verdict of their ‘scientific panel’ which concludes that trans women retained a significant advantage over cisgender female swimmers even after reducing their testosterone levels through medication. Meanwhile, the International Rugby League (IRL) has also temporarily barred trans women from playing until further research is conducted to shape a clear policy for the organization.
So what about tennis? The sport was one of the first in the world to feature a male-to-female competitor thanks to trailblazer Renee Richards. Richards, who played professionally as a man before transitioning, was barred from entering qualifying at the 1976 US Open after failing a chromosome test. She then entered into a high-profile legal battle which she won that let her participate in the tournament the following year in a move which made headlines worldwide and divided opinion. Although she was still banned from other top events where their rulebook once stated that only biologically-born females could play women’s events.
Today both the International Tennis Federation and WTA have their own policies dealing with the subject. During an email exchange between the ITF and UbiTennis, they confirmed a review is ongoing following guidelines recently issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC framework is a recommendation and has no legal power. It focuses on 10 principles: inclusion, prevention of harm, non-discrimination, fairness, no presumption of advantage, evidence-based approach, primacy of health and bodily autonomy, stakeholder-centered approach, right to privacy and periodic reviews.
“The ITF Sport Science & Medicine Commission (SSMC) began reviewing the current transgender policy following the publication of the IOC transgender framework,” an ITF spokesperson told UbiTennis.
“The ITF SSMC includes leading international medical and scientific representatives from the world of tennis and will consider inclusion, as well as the other principles set out in the IOC transgender framework as part of its review.”
As the ITF and WTA are separate organizations they can issue their own rules. This is why there is a slight difference in one part of their eligibility criteria regarding trans women players. On the ITF circuit players can participate with a lower testosterone level than on the WTA Tour (5 nmol/L to 10 nmol/L). So it is theoretically possible that some players might be allowed to play ITF events and then be banned from the WTA Tour.
However, both governing bodies state to UbiTennis that they will be working together on the issue in the future. When questioned about the difference in their policies regarding the level of testosterone, the ITF played down its significance.
“The ITF remains in close communication with WTA regarding our respective transgender policies of which the testosterone threshold is one element,” they said.
“It is worth noting that the likelihood of a transgender women’s testosterone concentration being between 5 and 10 nmol/L is very low as gender re-affirming hormone therapy typically results in levels of less than 2 nmol/L. We will continue to work closely with the WTA as we continue to review our policy.”
Meanwhile, the WTA told UbiTennis that their approach to the subject of trans competitors is based on fairness for all.
“WTA’s priority is and continues to be one of fostering an environment that is fair, safe, inclusive and evidence-based,” a spokesperson said.
It is unclear as to if the ITF and WTA will align their rules regarding the required level of testosterone prohibited for trans players but a review is ongoing. Neither governing body mentioned that banning transgendered women from participation was a possibility.
