The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has released it's policy outlining their position in respect to the participation of trans women who transitioned, or are transitioning, from male to female, (‘Trans-women’)
The LGFA state they are "committed to the inclusion” of transgender women and that it “will not tolerate any harassment or discrimination”. Players wishing to participate are required to make an application to a new Transgender Application Committee (TAC).
The policy, which was ratified on Wednesday, will allow transgender women and girls to play the sport except where an “unacceptable risk” arises and applies to all transgender women and girls who are over the age of 12 and are looking to play or continue playing football.
For players who are under 16-years-old, they are required to provide confirmation from a medical practitioner that they have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning from male to female and “intend to live their life as a female”.
For players over 16-years-old, they are required to submit confirmation from a medical practitioner or provide a Gender Recognition Certificate. It is also required that medical records are provided with evidence of testosterone levels during the previous 12 months "equalling or less than 10 nanomoles per litre" .
"The Association acknowledges that this area continues to rapidly develop, both domestically and internationally, and will, if and when necessary, update this Policy and Application Form. The Association will review this Policy and Application Form at least every 3 years."
The threshold for unacceptable risk has been detailed as in "the most exceptional circumstances".
"It is expected that unacceptable risks will likely only arise in the most exceptional circumstances and will not arise solely from the mere participation of a Trans-woman’s participation."
If this threshold is deemed to be met, the association will "immediately, and confidentially, notify the affected party (or Parent or Guardian as appropriate), of the decision determining that an unacceptable risk arises and the reasons for the determination"
LGFA Transgender Application Committee (the ‘TAC’) and the LGFA Transgender Risk Committee (the ‘TRC’) will be made up of 5 voluntary members each who, shall include medical and legal experts. The members will provide undertakings to keep all information in the strictest confidence and will serve for a period of 4 years, with an option of serving a subsequent term.
Where it is deemed a transgender woman or girl is not permitted to continue playing, the player may request a review of the determination within seven days and "members of TRC determine whether to confirm or overturn the Decision and provide reasons for their decision".
