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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

RUGBY review of transgender women in women's sports

109 replies

mindtheclegs · 21/02/2020 13:19

twitter.com/WNTTgra/status/1230840273854488577

World Rugby is preparing for a "comprehensive review" of the sport's policies on transgender players.

The governing body will hold a forum next week to consult "expert voices" and is seeking elite players' views.

As a reason for the review, World Rugby cites research suggesting that reducing testosterone does not lower strength and power proportionately.

"World Rugby's vision is 'a sport for all, true to its values'," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

"There is growing recognition of the importance of autonomy of gender identity in society and all sports are currently evaluating their policies to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose in the modern sporting and societal landscape.

"Rugby is no different and this forum makes it possible to explore the best available evidence and hear the relevant expert opinions."

World Rugby follows the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) policy. Guidelines issued by the IOC in November 2015 stated that transgender women must suppress testosterone levels for at least 12 months before competition. Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass.

Athletes transitioning from female to male are allowed to participate without restrictions, but the IOC is currently developing new guidelines.

"It is important for contact sports, such as rugby, to find an appropriate position for player welfare and risk," a World Rugby statement said.

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 21/02/2020 14:20

.... or competing against women in women only sport events.

Mummyoflittledragon · 21/02/2020 14:19

Good. Let’s hope this is the start of banning male bodied athletes from competing on women’s teams.

Languishingfemale · 21/02/2020 13:55

Then that's progress MrsSnippyPants . Nic Willaims is great.
After the appalling biased and inadequate "research" that the IOC used to inform their decisions about trans athletes and sport, it is some progress if women and sports science experts are finally being consulted. If I remember correctly many of the leading male sports science experts are unanimous in their condemnation of born men shoehorning themselves into women's sport.

MrsSnippyPants · 21/02/2020 13:46

Just saw on Twitter that Dr Nic Williams from Fair Play for Women will be there.

Mockersisrightasusual · 21/02/2020 13:39

"There is growing recognition of the importance of autonomy of gender identity in society," said Bill Beaumont.

Said Bill Beaumont????

Babdoc · 21/02/2020 13:34

Let’s hope they come to the right decision before any more sportswomen get folded like deckchairs or have their skulls fractured.

Binterested · 21/02/2020 13:30

The debate is happening.

Languishingfemale · 21/02/2020 13:29

This is long overdue. My concern is that they listen to genuine experts as opposed to all the self identified, self interested experts pushing a particular lobby group line.

Binterested · 21/02/2020 13:29

My male colleague just whatsapped this link to me. He gets it ! He’s learned about the whole shitshow from me (with a little help from Pips Bunce Grin).