November 2, 2018 by Charlie Eisenhood in Livewire, News with 0 comments
USA Ultimate announced this week that they have updated their Transgender Inclusion Policy after months of discussion.
“While we had a transgender policy in place for many years, this new one is far more comprehensive,” said Dave Klink, the leader of the Transgender Inclusion Task Force and a member of the USAU Board of Directors, in a statement. “It speaks to a number of areas on which the previous policy was silent, such as college eligibility, distinguishing standards between competitive and recreational or developmental programs, and dispute resolution. It’s also guided by six principles and includes important definitions which are designed to help improve awareness and further illuminate our position of inclusion.”
The task force involved consultation with ultimate players that identify as transgender or non-binary. The core tenets of the previous policy have not changed, but the language is substantially more specific and nuanced. The new policy draws a clear distinction between “developmental and recreational” play, where hormone treatment considerations are not required, and “competitive” play.
“I think this is an important step in the right direction when it comes to creating a more inclusive, affirming and safe environment for our trans and non-binary athletes,” said Kansas City Wicked athlete Ashleigh Buch, who was consulted on the policy, in a statement. “I hope that having a much more thorough policy will allow trans and non-binary athletes to feel safe playing ultimate as their true selves, and that it will encourage more trans and non-binary athletes to play our sport.”
