English hockey: Transgender players banned from playing in the women’s competition from next season

Transgender players will be banned from competing in women’s hockey from next season, England Hockey has announced.

The governing body said safeguarding “fair competition” was behind the move, which will see the introduction of separate women’s and open categories, ending the participation of trans people in the women’s game.

The decision comes after a review carried out in consultation with guidelines issued by the Sports Council Equality Group (SCEG) and is based on the premise that “hockey requires the physical abilities of strength, endurance, speed and acceleration as key success factors,” and is therefore “gender affected sport”.

In a statement, England Hockey said: “Based on this evidence, we have decided that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy should limit the participation of trans people in order to ensure fair competition.

“We are committed to supporting all affected players to ensure they find the right path to continue participating in hockey.

“The new Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy was developed to ensure that everyone can participate in the game of hockey in a fair way.”

The changes will take effect on September 1, in time for the start of the 2025/26 season, when transgender athletes will be allowed to continue competing in the women’s division.

A review of transgender participation – described by England Hockey as “comprehensive” – ​​was launched in July 2023 following the publication of SCEG guidelines on transgender inclusion in women’s sport in 2021.

It follows action by several governing bodies in other sports, including the Lawn Tennis Association, the LGPA Golf Tour and the England and Wales Cricket Board in restricting the participation of transgender athletes in women’s categories.

Athletics, cycling and swimming have also introduced new policies in a similar fashion.