British Rowing has announced transgender women who were born male would not be able to compete in the women's category at its events after "extensive and ongoing research and consultation." Transgender athletes who were born female and are not undergoing hormone treatment can still enter female races, the governing body added.
According to the BBC, an "open" category would be available to transgender female and non-binary rowers in competition events. Competition organizers can also offer a mixed category, providing half the crew meets the women's category guidelines.
British Rowing also said the changes would come into effect at the end of the season on September 11 and would apply to athletes representing Great Britain or England at international events, including the Olympics and Paralympics.
A Change of Course
Previously, British Rowing allowed transgender women to participate in female events if their testosterone level was below a certain level for two years. The national body made the decision after World Rowing tightened its own policy last March to reduce the allowable testosterone level but still allowed transgender women to compete in the female category.
"British Rowing is committed to promoting an environment in which rowing is accessible and inclusive and to ensuring that we provide opportunities and enjoyment for everyone," the governing body said in a statement.
Organizations like Fair Play for Women, Stonewall, and Mermaids have been involved in the policy review since 2020, with the latest changes following consultation with more than 4,500 members of the organizations.
The eligibility policy update followed similar moves from other sports governing bodies, including World Athletics, British Cycling, global swimming body FINA, and most recently, world cycling body UCI. Meanwhile, FIFA is also currently reviewing its transgender rules while organizing the Women's World Cup that is currently underway.
Related Article: FIFA to Review Trans Rules After Former Women's Team Captain Says She's Open to Trans Players on Her Team
