London | LTA Releases New Transgender and Non-binary Policy

Lawn Tennis Association’s policy update regarding transgender athletes competing at top levels in tennis and padel is taking an innovative step in responding to one of sport’s lingering contentious issues. Powers within sport have struggled with it but now feel under increased pressure to clear up their positions on it. Tennis and padel are gendered sports – men tend to have an edge against female opponents thanks to longer levers with which they can reach, hit, and strike the ball more accurately; their increased cardiovascular capacities enable them to get around more effortlessly on court. Longer levers allow players to reach and hit the ball more efficiently while increased cardiovascular capacity means being able to move more freely around the court. “According to current evidence and review performed by the Sports Council’s Equality Group, trans women may retain significant advantages when competing against non-trans women athletes resulting in unfair competition. “For purposes of our Policy, we have decided to draw a line in competition structure so as to distinguish two separate classifications of competition: Specified and Non-Specified.” These competitions (above the line) tend to involve intravenue competitions such as intercollegiate sports. Under our competition structure, these are Graded 1-6. “Non-Specified Competitions (below the line) may involve players from within one venue (i.e. those below Grade 6).” “We have decided to modify our policy so as to restrict trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth from participating in certain competitions between venues as female competitors. These include competitions ranging from our National Championships through local county and district leagues that seek to provide fair competitive opportunities. Through this policy, a common national standard for these events will be adhered to ensuring they all provide equitable opportunities. “Non-Specified Competitions held within venues have the primary goal of creating fun, social competition. Players will quickly become part of their local tennis community while becoming acquainted with its policies as well as who might be on their opponent list.” From weekend social tournaments to Club Championships, venues will have the choice in selecting their event formats and full inclusion will always be possible. “LTA wants to encourage local venues to provide trans and non-binary individuals with as welcoming an experience as possible when competing, providing friendly competition opportunities in friendly settings such as park venues.” To support this aim, their own Local Tennis League product (held at park venues) remains fully inclusive. LTA.org.uk reports: “This policy will come into force on January 25, 2025 and be reviewed annually to incorporate any new scientific or other data that becomes available. “We recognize the diversity of opinions surrounding this issue, and would like to reassure the tennis community that the LTA will listen carefully and review its Policy accordingly according to emerging research, data or further advice from any relevant bodies.” “While only under its jurisdiction in Britain, the LTA had sole authority over tournaments under their purview. Their statement made clear that given biological males’ advantages for tennis they considered making changes in their rules.” “The LTA does not determine the rules for international events held within the UK that are organized by other entities, including Wimbledon and other tennis tournaments held throughout England such as Queen’s, Eastbourne and Nottingham; ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments or FIP Padel Tournaments organised by FIP; as national governing body the LTA faces the difficult balancing act between maintaining fair competition while creating inclusive environments for participants – Padel now falls within its purview and falls subject to LTA policy on transgender womenLTA.org.uk”.