In a significant development, trans and non-binary badminton players have been informed of their exclusion from women’s competitions according to recently established regulations. Badminton England, the national regulatory body, unveiled a policy document last week that delineates the exclusion of trans women from both sanctioned and unsanctioned female tournaments. Instead, a novel open competition category will be introduced, embracing individuals who were not assigned female at birth (AFAB).
This alteration, effective since last week, is slated for annual reassessment, with the next policy review scheduled for a year hence. While Badminton England maintains that international selection will be tethered to the player’s assigned sex at birth, it commits to facilitating events where transgender athletes can engage in competitive play. The organization acknowledges the evolving landscape of gender policies and expresses a commitment to upholding best practices.
The rationale behind this change, as articulated in the policy report, cites badminton as a “gender-affected sport,” implying that the sex assigned at birth might influence gameplay. However, the report concedes that there is scant evidence on how these purported advantages truly impact matches. The governing body underscores its adherence to individuals’ right to define their own gender while prioritizing the imperative of fair competition.
This decision is in line with the 2010 Equality Act, which permits restrictions on participation solely to ensure equitable contests or competitors’ safety. Badminton England has pledged to collaborate with event and competition organizers to ensure fairness and to thoroughly investigate any complaints about unjust exclusion from the sport. This move towards exclusion echoes recent trends in various sports, including cycling, swimming, and rugby, where trans participants have faced similar bans.
The global regulatory body, Badminton World Federation, currently lacks a trans participation policy but has commissioned research to understand the impact of “biological advantages.” This move mirrors trends in other sports that have excluded trans competitors, ostensibly to ensure a level playing field. However, critics argue that these decisions are based more on opinion than on comprehensive scientific research.
Trans athletes and advocates have raised concerns over the lack of substantial research on trans athletes’ performance, highlighting the limited opportunities for trans athletes to compete at elite levels due to discrimination. The ongoing debates around inclusivity and fair competition for trans athletes continue to spark conversations within the realm of sports.