BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois High School Association will now determine on a case-by-case basis the eligibility of transgender student-athletes to participate in its state series events.
The changes come after an update was approved to its Transgender Policy, first adopted in 2011, at the IHSA’s September board meeting on Monday.
The changes mean that those students who have a different gender identity from the sex they were assigned at birth must seek approval from the IHSA before participation in gender-specific state series events; such as regionals, sectionals, and state finals.
Criteria to be used in the ruling include whether the claimed gender identity is “bona fide” or if it’s for a competitive advantage, whether approval would be inconsistent with fairness in a competition, or if approval would bring a risk of injury to competitors.
The school making the request will need to submit a written request. Documentation to support the schools case include current transcripts and school registration records, medical documentation referring to the student’s gender identity, a statement from the student, and records of past athletic participation. Support statements from parents, school personnel, and clergy would also be used.
The IHSA’s ruling would be final on any decision, and will notify the school in writing of its decision.
In a statement after the board meeting, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson says the policy is adapted through the years as new information and practices to medical care emerge.
“Today’s updates help to bring IHSA Policy 34 in closer alignment with the policy proposed by the United States Department of Education in April, 2023. This is a sensitive subject that creates a wide range of opinions and emotions. That was reflective in the extensive discussions the Board held on a variety of issues related to the topic. We believe the policy updates balance the interests of all involved in a manner which best serves all of our student-athletes and activity participants,” said Anderson.
