(Crankers) If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. And like many things, there’s always a catch. A recent announcement says the LPGA and USGA have announced changes to their transgender policies which effectively bans people like bio-male Hailey Davidson from competing against women – but it’s not a full ban. There’s fine print you must read before you decide on how to react to this.
The article on Golf Week said this:
The LPGA’s new policy states that players whose sex assigned at birth is male must establish to the tour’s medical manager and expert panel that they have not experienced any part of male puberty, either beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first). They must also maintain a concentration of testosterone in their serum below 2.5 nmol/L.
This means is that they are not entirely banning transgender women (men) from competing against women. However, it seems like they’re clamping down on the requirements that men must meet in order to compete against the women. I’m not sure if it’s possible for men to meet these requirements or not. Maybe this is a way for them to ban transgenders by making it excoriatingly difficult to meet the requirements – but without banning them and taking heat for it.
It seems like they were scared to just say “women’s golf is for real women only” and came up with the requirements instead.
Golf Week quoted a statement from the LPGA:
The policy—informed by a working group of top experts in medicine, science, sport physiology, golf performance and gender policy law—was developed with input from a broad array of stakeholders and prioritizes the competitive integrity of women’s professional tournaments and elite amateur competitions This working group has advised that the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.
Seems like they were all scared to make the commonsense decision and ban males from female golf. Maybe the people making these decisions should grow a pair… No pun intended. Read more here if you care to, or see ya in the comments.
7 Comments
Doesn’t the essence of competition lie in fairness and equality? Wouldn’t the rules set by LPGA and USGA aim to maintain this spirit? Curious about others’ thoughts on balancing inclusivity with competition integrity. Frank, your piece sheds light on a complex issue.
qood point skye, it’s tricky but sports bodies have to constantly navigate these waters. ensuring everyone gets a fair shot is what matters in the end.
except fairness isn’t as simple as ABC, Runner. What Skye’s getting at requires a deeper dive into what we value in sports and beyond.
The game’s always evolving, and so are its rules. Making it fair for everyone while keeping the competition heated is a tough job. Props to the LPGA and USGA for tackling the issue head on. Keen to see how this plays out on the greens.
oh look, another day, another absolutely drama-free topic in the world of sports. can’t wait for everyone to agree on this one. frank, got popcorn?
It’s essential to have conversations around these policies to ensure that sports remain a uniting factor rather than a divisive one. The LPGA and USGA’s decision deserves attention and understanding from all angles. I appreciate Frank bringing this to light.
Well said, Angela. Engagement in respectful dialogue is the key to progress. This decision opens up more avenues for understanding and empathy.