WNFC Transgender Policy Revision

In a much-anticipated policy change, transgender athletes will be accepted to compete as players in the WNFC starting in 2020

Eligibility to compete as a player in the WNFC requires that the player be over the age of 18, and female.Individuals assigned as “female” at birth are regarded as girls and women (female).Individuals undergoing a sex reassignment of male to female before puberty are regarded as girls and women. Individuals who have had a sexual reassignment before puberty are considered to be female and will be allowed to compete in the WNFC as a player.

1. Individuals undergoing sex reassignment from male to female after puberty will be eligible to compete as a player in the WNFC, when all of the following conditions are have been satisfied:

Surgical anatomical changes have been completed for that individual usually including external genitalia changes and gonadectomy;Legal recognition of their assigned sex has been confirmed by the appropriate official authorities; andHormonal therapy appropriate for the assigned sex has been administered in a verifiable manner and for a minimum of four (4) years to minimize gender-related advantages in sport competitions

1. The supervising physician responsible for the management of a transgender individual’s care must provide the following evidence:

That surgical reassignment has been completed for that individualThat the appropriate hormonal therapy has been ongoing continuously for at least a four (4) year period when gender reassignment is considered complete

1. In the absence of a supervising physician for the transgender individual, evidence must be presented as follows:

A report from an accredited specialist (ordinarily an endocrinologist) to confirm that external genitalia changes and gonadectomy have taken place for such individual; andThat the appropriate hormonal therapy has been ongoing continuously for at least a four (4) year period when gender reassignment is considered completeA transgender male (referred to as a “FTM Athlete”) may be eligible to compete as a player in the WNFC so long as the athlete has not begun testosterone hormone therapy related to gender transition. A FTM Athlete that has begun testosterone hormone therapy related to gender transition shall be considered a male athlete and ineligible to compete in the WNFC as a player.

1. The use of testosterone or other androgens, commonly used to assist in the transition from female to male are prohibited for use by WNFC players. By virtue of the anabolic nature of these compounds, they are not allowed, nor is a Therapeutic Use Exemption granted for such use for anyone. This applies to any and all medical conditions which might be treated through the use of androgens.

2. Any athlete suspected of using testosterone or other androgens (performance-enhancing drugs) should be reported to the league office for review. Please contact admin@wnfcfootball.com to report any suspected incidence/violations of this or any other league policy.