New Regulations and Testing Protocols for Female Athlete Eligibility in International Sports

Introduction

World Athletics is set to implement stringent new testing protocols to determine the eligibility of athletes wishing to compete in the women's category at international sporting events. These measures include a cheek swab test to detect the SRY gene and a blood test to measure testosterone levels, aiming to maintain a fair and level playing field.

Background and New Regulations

In March 2023, World Athletics banned transgender athletes who had undergone male puberty from competing in the female category. This decision was based on evidence showing a significant performance gap before the onset of puberty. The organization is now revising its eligibility regulations for male-to-female trans athletes, incorporating new findings that suggest testosterone suppression only partially mitigates the male advantage in sports.

For DSD (Difference of Sex Development) athletes, current rules require maintaining testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months to compete internationally. World Athletics proposes aligning the rules for DSD and transgender athletes, emphasizing that testosterone suppression does not entirely eliminate the male advantage.

Scientific and Ethical Considerations

The proposed cheek swab test detects the SRY gene, which is primarily located on the male Y chromosome and serves as a reliable indicator of biological sex. Additionally, a dry spot blood test will be used to measure testosterone levels. However, there is ongoing debate among scientists regarding the effectiveness and ethical implications of these tests.

Professor Alun Williams from Manchester Metropolitan University has expressed concerns, stating that a cheek swab alone cannot provide a definitive conclusion on an athlete's sex or potential advantage in sports.

Implementation and Future Steps

A World Athletics council meeting next month will determine the implementation timeline for these new regulations. The organization has initiated a consultation period from 10 February to 5 March to gather feedback from athletes and key stakeholders. Notably, while athlete input will be considered, alternative policy proposals are not being sought during this period.

Conclusion

World Athletics President Lord Coe has emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of competition in the women's category. The proposed regulations aim to adapt to the latest scientific evidence, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all female athletes. As the sporting world evolves, these measures will play a crucial role in shaping the future of international athletics.