England Hockey bans transgender women from female category
England Hockey has announced that trans women will be banned from competing in the women’s side from next season.
As part of its new trans and non-binary participation policy, the governing body has established two categories of competition – women’s and open – with the latter “open to everyone”, including trans and non-binary contestants.
England Hockey conducted a review of its current policy in July 2023, taking into account guidance from the Sports Council Equality Group (SCEG).
Hockey England said: “Based on currently available evidence, hockey requires physical abilities such as strength, endurance, speed and acceleration as key factors for success and is considered a gender-sensitive sport.”
“Based on this evidence, we have determined that trans and non-binary participation policies should limit trans participation to ensure a level playing field. We are committed to supporting all affected participants to ensure they find the right pathway to continue participating in hockey. “
The new policy will be implemented from September 1st.
Hockey England said the purpose of the policy update is to “ensure everyone can participate in the game of ice hockey in a fair manner”.
DecemberThe Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has since changed its rules to ban trans women from participating in some women’s domestic tennis and cricket tournaments in the UK.
The LPGA golf tour also announced last month Transgender women who have gone through male puberty will no longer be allowed to compete on leading golf tours.
The England and Wales Cricket Board decided last November that from 2025 any player who has gone through male puberty will be ineligible to play in the top two tiers of the women’s game.
In recent years, other sports governing bodies have also changed policies – including athletics, cycling and swimming – to ban transgender athletes from competing in elite women’s competitions.
