Transgender women should be barred from female triathlons, even if they have not gone through male puberty.
British Triathlon is first national governing body (NGB) to publish proposal for new trans policy after toxic row to split sport over swimmer Lia Thomas and cyclist Emily Bridges†
The policy, which comes into effect on January 1, is the strictest announced so far this summer, following those put in place by the respective world governing bodies of Thomas and Bridges, Fina and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Fina and the UCI tightened up their own rules around trans women last month, with the former banning anyone who has gone through male puberty from elite female competitions and announcing plans to introduce a new open category for them to race in.
The UK triathlon ban applies to anyone aged 12 and older who was born male out of concern that Fina policies could put pressure on young children to switch.
That would mean anyone who switched before that age would be allowed to compete in female races until they were 12, after which they would be abruptly blocked from doing so.
Contrary to Fina’s policy, the policy published by the British Triathlon also includes the introduction of an open category to replace the existing male category, rather than coexist with it.
Swimming’s international governing body has only banned those who have gone through male puberty after citing evidence indicating that those who switched afterward had inheritance advantages over those born as female.
It believed this was the most legally and ethically sustainable policy for swimming.
The UCI stuck with many sports’ previous approach to admit trans women into elite women’s competitions, provided they took steps to lower their testosterone levels.
It halved the maximum amount trans women were allowed to receive from 5 nanomoles per liter to 2.5 and doubled the time they had to stay below that from one to two years.
The British triathlon’s policy was announced just over a week after it was one of several NGBs to attend a summit convened by Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, in which she told them to ban trans women from elite women’s competitions.
The NGB said in a statement: “We started this process in late 2021 and went through a period of independent consultation earlier this year to explore options for grading into triathlon competitions in Britain. This ensured, together with the latest research , heard from our community, key groups and individuals about their views and experiences.
“We will now take the time to develop guidelines for event organisers, clubs, officials and coaches to share this fall, before the policy goes into effect on January 1, 2023. This guidance will support the implementation of this policy and ensure that our sport continues to evolve by being welcoming, supportive and inclusive for all.
“British Triathlon wants to make it clear that it will not tolerate transphobic behaviour, harassment, bullying or hate speech of any kind. Anyone who comments on our policies should do so with empathy and consideration for everyone who has been involved and who may still have questions and concerns about how the policy will affect them.”