WFTDA has adopted a Gender Policy that will go into effect January 1, 2012. Read the WFTDA Gender Policy.
Why did WFTDA adopt this policy?
As the organization and the sport began to rapidly grow, the WFTDA began receiving frequent inquiries related to transgender athletes and their eligibility to play in WFTDA leagues. WFTDA sought a policy that would specifically include transgender athletes and protect against discrimination while also addressing concerns about competitive equity. WFTDA believes that this policy further standardizes our sport and reflects WFTDA's values and diverse membership.
How was this policy developed and adopted?
WFTDA membership began discussing this topic in 2008 and quickly concluded that it needed to take an official position with regard to transgender skaters in competition. Several years of research and discussion followed, and WFTDA consulted medical professionals, academics, attorneys and organizations (including the U.S. Olympic Committee). Several options for how to frame this definition were proposed and discussed. Ultimately, this policy was adopted via a membership vote in March 2011.
Who does this policy apply to?
While every skater on the member league is a part of WFTDA, each member league has one "chartered" team that officially represents them in WFTDA sanctioned games, rankings, and tournaments. The 20 skaters on that team charter are affected by this policy.
The other skaters on the league are not subject to this definition. Leagues are welcome to model their own policies in parallel with the WFTDA gender policy, or develop their own standards for defining "female" with regard to their membership.
I am a transgender derby skater. What does this policy mean for me?
If you are a transgender skater on a WFTDA-chartered team, you should self-assess for compliance with the policy. You may want to talk with your captain, and/or the person who completes and submits the charter, as they will be attesting that all of the skaters listed on the charter paperwork are eligible according to the policy. You do not need to gather or submit materials proving your eligibility under the policy, unless your league asks for it in order to feel comfortable attesting your eligibility along with the other chartered skaters.
I am the person who submits our league's WFTDA charter team paperwork. What does this policy mean for me?
In the past, you've been asked to sign a statement attesting that all your chartered skaters are eligible with regard to the minimum skills test. Effective January 1, 2012, that statement will be a more general affirmation of your skaters' eligibility with regard to all WFTDA policies, including the gender policy. You do not need to identify transgender skaters or submit materials to WFTDA establishing their eligibility. If you can attest that everyone on your charter meets guidelines, your signature is all WFTDA needs. You may choose to ask a transgender skater for information or materials to inform you in making that attestation, but you do not need to proactively submit those to anyone.
What about transgender skaters who are already skating on WFTDA chartered teams?
This policy takes effect on January 1, 2012. WFTDA identified this effective date to allow sufficient time for leagues to review the policy and apply it to their chartered team without having an effect on the teams already training toward regional playoffs and the championship this fall.
**Are transgender skaters covered by WFTDA insurance?***
WFTDA insurance covers individuals identified as members of a participating WFTDA member league, regardless of gender or sex. There are no exclusions against men or transgender individuals, under any definition.
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