|
Lexi Rodgers made an application late last year
to play for the Kilsyth Cobras women's team in the National
Basketball League 1 South competition in the southern state of
Victoria.
A three-person Basketball Australia (BA) panel considered the
application but ruled Rodgers ineligible "to play elite level
basketball".
"BA assesses eligibility of prospective elite level transgender
athletes on a 'case-by-case' basis, accounting for and balancing
a range of factors," the governing body said in a statement.
"The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature
of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank
those involved who have maintained integrity and respect
throughout the process."
Rodgers said in an Instagram post that she still hoped to play
elite women's basketball one day.
"I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia. I
participated fully and in good faith with the process and
eligibility criteria," Rodgers said.
"Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly
believe I have a place as an athlete in women's basketball ... I
am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans
and gender diverse people everywhere."
Transgender athletes playing in elite women's sport has become a
highly contentious issue over the last few years.
Global governing bodies such as World Athletics and World
Aquatics have banned anyone who has been through male puberty
from their women's competitions on the grounds of fairness.
Supporters of transgender participation in women's sports say
not enough research has been done into whether transgender
athletes retain an advantage after transition.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
