Transgender players will be banned from competing in women’s hockey as of next season, England Hockey has announced.
The governing body said that the protection of “fair competition” was behind the move that will see the introduction of separate female and open categories, thereby ending trans participation in the women’s game.
The decision comes following a review carried out in consultation with guidance issued by the Sports Council Equality Group (SCEG), and rests on the assumption that “hockey requires the physical capabilities of strength, endurance, speed and acceleration as key factors for success,” and is thus a “gender-affected sport.”
In a statement, England Hockey said: “Based on this evidence, we have determined that the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy should restrict trans participation in order to secure fair competition.
“We are committed to supporting all affected players to ensure they find the right path for them to continue to participate in hockey.
“The new Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy has been developed to ensure everyone can participate in the playing of hockey in a fair way.”
The changes will come into effect on September 1, in time for the start of the 2025/26 season, until which time transgender athletes will be permitted to continue competing in the female category.
The review of transgender participation – which England Hockey has described as “comprehensive” – was launched in July 2023 following the publication in 2021 of SCEG guidelines on trans involvement in female sport.
It follows action taken by several governing bodies in other sports including the Lawn Tennis Association, the LGPA Golf Tour, and the England and Wales Cricket Board in restricting the participation of transgender athletes in female categories.
Athletics, cycling and swimming have also introduced new policies along similar lines.
