Philosophy
All students deserve the opportunity to participate in school athletics. Best practice recommendations are to designate a set of criteria in which student-athletes are able to compete on a level playing field in a safe, competitive, and friendly environment, free of discrimination. Fundamental fairness, as well as most local, state, and federal rules and regulations, requires schools to provide transgender and gender diverse student-athletes with equal opportunities to participate in athletics. These best practices conceptualize a framework in which this participation may occur in a safe and healthy manner that is fair to all competitors.
All transgender and gender diverse student-athletes shall be allowed to play on sports teams based on the gender identity and/or gender expression that they consistently assert at school, be called by their preferred name, and be referred to by their preferred pronouns. The following perceptions do not preclude the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse athletes:
- The student-athlete may have an advantage due to greater physical skills.
- The student-athlete by reason of gender identity alone is more likely to cause injury than another player.
- The student-athlete may cause a threat to the safety of others, their own teammates or opponent’s teammates.
Support
When a transgender or gender diverse student requests to play on a sports team based on their gender identity and/or gender expression, school administrators and athletic directors should follow the procedure outlined below. Once the student is granted eligibility to participate in the sport consistent with their gender identity/expression, the student should not be required to renew eligibility. All discussion and documentation must be kept confidential.
- Notify the Athletic Director and/or School Personnel
- Create a Gender Support Plan to support the student athlete in partnership with the athlete, coach(es), and others, when appropriate
Locker Rooms
All BCPS schools shall provide transgender and gender diverse students access to a locker room facility that corresponds with the gender identity and/or gender expression that they consistently assert at school. If there is a reason or desire for increased privacy and safety, any student should be provided access to a reasonable alternative locker room such as:
- A designated area that is private and approved by the student
- A separate changing schedule (before or after other students)
All reasonable alternatives suggested by the transgender and gender diverse students or guardian(s) can be considered if they are not comfortable with the above options.
Team Hotel/Overnight Accommodations
It is recommended that in all circumstances coaches make arrangements in consultation and agreement with the parent/guardian and student athletes regarding overnight accommodations.