According to World Netball, the choice will “ensure fairness and safety.”
NA won’t alter its domestic league’s rules on gender inclusion.
The netball governing body of Australia has no intention of following World Netball’s example and prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in elite competition.
Transgender athletes were prohibited from competing internationally, starting immediately, according to a new participation and inclusion policy, which was revealed by the global governing body on Monday.
According to World Netball (WN), the choice was made following extensive deliberation and analysis of the data.
In a statement, WN stated that “it has determined that women’s netball at the international level is a gender affected activity and that a policy is required [to] ensure fairness and safety at this level of our sport, following detailed review of the science and consultation with experts and members.”
Over the past few years, the international governing organizations of chess, cycling, athletics, swimming, and cricket have all tightened their policies regarding transgender athletes’ participation in elite women’s competitions.
If national governing organizations chose to base their competitions’ participation requirements on other criteria, WN stated that they have the option to “modify or even not apply these guidelines.”
According to Netball Australia (NA), there are no intentions to modify their 2020 policy, which allowed transgender and gender nonconforming athletes to compete in elite leagues like Super Netball.
Although there are no transgender athletes in the national league, any future athletes would not be able to be selected for the Australian Diamonds due to WN’s new policy.
NA claimed to be “proud of its leading transgender guidelines for both community and elite netball” in a statement.
NA stated on Tuesday that these rules are “based on a commitment to provide welcoming and inclusive environments for all people to play netball.”
Along with the AFL and other major sports codes, NA issued their gender inclusion policy in 2020 as part of the Pride in Sport program.
It stipulates that over the course of 24 months, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals must have their blood tested for testosterone at a level that is approximately half that of an average male.
Former NA boss Marne Fechner said at the time the policy reflected a commitment to make sure netball was an inclusive place for all people to play.
Transgender and gender diverse players are allowed to participate in community netball competition.