NAIA Implements Ban on Transgender Athlete Participation in Women’s Sports

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) prohibited transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports on Monday.

The NAIA stated that it supports “fair and safe competition for all student-athletes,” and that “Title IX ensures separate and equal opportunities for female athletes.” The organization outlined its participation criteria and conditions.

“Participation by students in sports designated as male by the NAIA: All eligible NAIA student-athletes may participate in NAIA-sponsored male sports,” the organization said in a statement.

“Participation by students in sports designated as female by the NAIA: Only NAIA student-athletes whose biological sex* is female may participate in NAIA-sponsored female sports.”

According to the NAIA, a student who has not begun “any masculinizing hormone therapy may participate without limitation.” The organization also stated that a student who has undergone masculinizing hormone therapy may engage in:

“All activities conducted within the institution (excluding external competition), including exercises, practices, and team activities. This involvement is at the discretion of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled.

“External competition that is not a countable contest according to NAIA guidelines. Such participation is up to the decision of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled. The policy goes into force on August 1.

The NAIA’s Council of Presidents approved the policy change 20-0, according to CBS Sports.

“We know there are a lot of different opinions out there,” NAIA President Jim Carr told CBS Sports. “We considered that our first job was to ensure fairness and competition in the NAIA… We also believe it is consistent with the reasons Title IX was developed. You can offer separate but equal opportunities for women to compete. The NAIA is separate from the NCAA. It oversees smaller schools and universities. The group includes 241 membership schools.