The NCAA has a on-going working group considering this.
by nannywarth (2021-12-29 22:49:56)

In reply to: Swimming World: NCAA needs to deal with the Lia Thomas  posted by G.K.Chesterton


The problem is that during the time they need to get to an equitable solution, there will likely (Thomas this year for example) be exceptional athletes that stand out. I would rather have a well-thought out solution, than not. What I am hearing is that there will likely be some revisions to the policy in the next year or two. A possible solution could include a tie period of testosterone suppression and a test level of testosterone.

As I have stated before, this is an issue in D3 track where I coach. There have been a couple All-American transgender athletes in the last several years.


I really appreciate your perspective on this.
by ewillND  (2022-01-16 12:19:04)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

As a cis-gender female athlete (non-elite, but hey, I was an age-grouper for a long time) and a coach for girls' athletics, it's an interesting issue to have to try to work out. There has to be a way to ensure that all athletes are able to compete as the gender that they identify with, and yet ensure fairness for all athletes as well. It's such a difficult thing, and I am glad that there are smarter people than me working on it.


The NCAA updated its transgender participation policy
by No Right Turn on Red  (2022-01-21 06:56:10)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

yesterday. It is effective immediately and modeled after the Olympic model.


FWIW, a 30+ year USA Swimming official has quit due to this. (link)
by G.K.Chesterton  (2022-01-03 13:22:03)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


And the sport is better without this official.
by No Right Turn on Red  (2022-01-04 01:59:09)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I agree that a discussion about the rules regarding transgender participation in sports (i.e., testosterone level testing vs. hormone suppression) is important. It sounds like the NCAA is re-evaluating their current rules.

That being said, so long, Cynthia Millen, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Millen pulled out right before the Paralympics Swimming National Championships. Lia Thomas is not a member of USA Swimming, nor was she a participant at the U.S. Paralympic National Championships. USA Swimming has stricter rules than the NCAA regarding transgender participation (they follow IOC rules). So Millen choosing that moment was more about grandstanding than anything affecting the actual event she would have officiated.

Further, Millen purposefully and repeatedly misgendered Thomas during her Fox News interview, using he and him. If you can't use proper pronouns, which is not hard and the least one can do, then you don't belong in the discussion of how the sport handles this issue.


I agree *
by Odschool  (2022-01-18 20:04:34)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post