Netball Australia’s governing body has no plans to follow the lead of World Netball and ban transgender players from elite competitions.
Transgender athletes are banned from international competition under a new participation and inclusion policy, effective immediately, the global governing body announced on Monday.
World Netball (WN) said the decision was made after a lengthy review of consultation and research.
“Following a detailed scientific review and consultation with experts and members, it has been determined that women’s netball at international level is a gender-sensitive activity requiring policy development [to] Ensuring fairness and safety at our level of sport. “WN said in a statement.
Over the past few years, global governing bodies in cricket, cycling, athletics, swimming and chess have tightened rules for transgender athletes competing in elite women’s competitions.
WN said it had the option to “modify or even not apply these guidelines” if the national governing body decides to base competition participation rules on other factors.
Netball Australia (NA) says it has no plans to change its policy of welcoming trans and gender diverse athletes into elite competitions including Super Netball in 2020.
There are no transgender contestants in the national competition, but under WN’s new stance any future contestants will not be eligible to compete on the Australian Diamond.
A statement from NA said the body was “proud of its leading transgender guidance for community and elite netball”.
“These guidelines are based on a commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all to play basketball,” NA said Tuesday.
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NA released its gender inclusion policy in 2020 as part of its Pride in Sport initiative, alongside the AFL and other major sporting codes.
It states that transgender and gender diverse people must have a certain level of testosterone detected in their blood for 24 months that is roughly half that of the average male.
Former North America boss Marne Fechner said at the time that the policy reflected a commitment to ensuring netball remains an inclusive place where everyone can participate.
Trans and gender diverse players can take part in community netball competitions.
