(Reuters) - England Hockey announced on Wednesday a new policy that will bar transgender women from competing in the female category from the start of next season.
In a bid to address transgender and non-binary participation, the governing body has established two competition categories: female and open - the latter welcoming all, including transgender and non-binary participants.
The review of the previous policy began in July 2023, incorporating guidance from the Sports Councils' Equality Group.
"Based on this evidence, we have determined that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy should restrict trans participation in order to secure fair competition," England Hockey said.
"We are committed to supporting all affected players to ensure they find the right path for them to continue to participate in hockey."
The new policy, set to take effect on Sept. 1, aims to "ensure everyone can participate in the playing of hockey in a fair way," the governing body added.
Several sports bodies have recently restricted transgender women's participation in elite women’s events.
The Lawn Tennis Association banned transgender women from certain domestic tennis and padel tournaments, while the LPGA Golf Tour announced last month that transgender women who went through male puberty will not be eligible to compete from the 2025 season.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said in October that players who underwent male puberty would be ineligible for top-tier women's cricket from 2025.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City)
