The NCAA has adopted new regulations in the wake of Lia Thomas, 22, a transgender swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania who has been shattering women’s team records.
Now there will be a sport-by-sport approach for transgender athletes, bringing the organization in line with the U.S. and International Olympic Committees.
Thomas has become a lightning rod as her story has gained national attention in recent months.
Thomas began competing for the women’s team this season after transitioning. She previously competed as a man for three seasons at Penn.
The new NCAA regulations require Thomas and transgender students-athletes to document testosterone levels, which must meet sport-specific levels, four weeks before their sport’s championship selections.
It is unclear when Thomas transitioned from male to female. As per NCAA rules, at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment is required to be able to compete as a woman.
Record-setting Olympian Michael Phelps and Caityln Jenner are among the prominent voices who have weighed in on the situation.
“I think this leads back to the organizing committees again,” Phelps told CNN this week. “Because it has to be a level playing field. That’s something that we all need. Because that’s what sports are. For me, I don’t know where this is going to go. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“I’ve said from the beginning, biological boys should not be playing in women’s sports,” Jenner told Fox News. “We need to protect women’s sports.”
The Board of Governors is suggesting NCAA divisions allow for additional eligibility if a transgender student-athlete loses eligibility based on the policy change. That flexibility is provided they meet the NCAA’s new guidelines — which are effective immediately.
“Approximately 80% of U.S. Olympians are either current or former college athletes,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a release. “This policy alignment provides consistency and further strengthens the relationship between college sports and the U.S. Olympics.”
— With AP