World Athletics has also decreased the quantity of blood testosterone permitted for sportspersons with differences in sex development (DSD).
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In accordance with a recent World Athletics announcement, transgender women who have experienced male puberty are not permitted to compete in the female division at international competitions. The decision is founded on the premise of protecting the female category and is supported by science around physical performance and male advantage. The choice to prohibit transgender women who experienced male puberty from competing in the female division at international competitions is based on the idea that physical distinctions made during male puberty may give an advantage.
The policy is scheduled to go into effect on March 31, 2023. Prior to competing in the female category, transgender women had to lower their blood testosterone level to a maximum of 5 nmol/L and maintain it there for 12 months, according to the previous World Athletics regulations. For transgender athletes who have gone through male puberty, the new policy imposes a stricter requirement. It implies that they won’t be able to participate in female ranking contests.
The judgment has received various reactions. Some contend that transgender women shouldn’t participate in competitive women’s sports due to the possible advantages they may still hold, while others contend that sports should be more open to all people. The discussion surrounding transgender athletes in sports is focused on finding a balance between inclusion, sporting fairness, and safety in women’s sports, with the issue of whether transgender women can participate in female categories without receiving an unfair advantage at the forefront. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has published a framework on transgender athletes, declaring that there should be no presumption that a transgender athlete automatically has an extra edge in female sporting events. The obligation of defining eligibility requirements in each sport is put on individual federations.
Read More-World Athletics Considers Tightening Transgender Participation Rules
World Athletics has also decreased the quantity of blood testosterone permitted for sportspersons with differences in sex development (DSD), like South Africa’s Caster Semenya. DSD is a category of uncommon conditions where a person may have a combination of male and female traits in their hormones, DNA, or reproductive systems. DSD athletes will now be required to reduce their blood testosterone level to below 2.5 nanomoles per liter, down from five, and must continue to stay under this threshold for two years to compete internationally in the female category in any track and field event. For DSD athletes currently participating in previously unrestricted competitions, interim rules will be implemented, forcing them to suppress their testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months before they are permitted to compete.
The World Athletics Council has also formed a working committee for 12 months to further study the topic of transgender inclusivity. The group, which will comprise representatives from World Athletics, transgender athletes, athletes from the Athletes’ Commission, member federations, and the World Athletics health and scientific department, will be presided over by an impartial party. The working committee will interact especially with transgender athletes, examine and commission research, and offer recommendations to the Council.
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