Following an extensive research and review process, we are today releasing our policy for transgender participation in volleyball in England.
Developing this policy was a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and in-depth research and consultation. We feel the policy is appropriate for volleyball right now and commit to ensuring it continues to be so with regular reviews.
In line with the UK’s Sports Councils Guidance for Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport, inclusion, fairness, and safety were the three main policy considerations. We are committed to supporting opportunities for everyone to be involved in volleyball. However, we cannot look past the fact volleyball is a gender-affected sport.
In a review of published research, Sport England found that with or without testosterone suppression, there is no appreciable loss of strength or physique in transitioning males. Therefore, based on the current volleyball competition formats, safety and fairness cannot be reconciled with self-identification in the female category.
As a result, we have concluded that while a transgender woman can still play in the male category of competition, a transgender woman cannot play in the female category of competition.
The policy also states that a transgender man can continue to play in female competition unless testosterone hormone treatment has commenced. A transgender man can play in male competitions too.
Policy Summary
Volleyball is a gender-affected sport with different categories of competition to ensure fairness and, to some extent, safety. As a result, fairness cannot be reconciled in female competitions with self-identification in the female category. Therefore:
- A transgender woman can still play in the male category of competition.
- A transgender woman cannot play in the female category of competition.
- A transgender man can continue to play in female competition, unless testosterone hormone treatment has commenced.
- A transgender man can play in male competition as there is no physical advantage that would make the competition unfair.
This policy will come into effect immediately and be regularly reviewed.
Full Document: https://www.swva.org.uk/Transgender-Policy-VE-2022.pdf
