Latest news with #competitions
Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Times
LTA ‘breaking law' by letting trans women play in female contests
The Lawn Tennis Association has been accused of breaking the law by encouraging tennis clubs to allow transgender women to play in internal competitions for female players. In January this year the LTA, Britain's national governing body for tennis, banned trans women from competing in the women's category for most domestic tournaments. However, the ban did not extend to social tournaments and championship competitions held within tennis clubs, in which many female grassroots players compete. Instead, in an update of its trans and non-binary participation policy, the LTA ruled that it was at the discretion of the individual clubs as to whether trans women should be allowed to take part in these internal 'non-specified competitions'. The guidance also goes a step further by encouraging tennis clubs to permit transgender women to participate in female competitions they hold internally. It states: 'We strongly encourage venues to start from a presumption of being inclusive for trans and non-binary players by ensuring they provide competitive opportunities which allow them to take part in the category which matches their gender identity.' In addition, it says that officials and organisers need to think about what is more important at this level of competition: 'Ensuring absolute fairness in the competition or making trans people feel included and a part of your tennis community by enabling them to compete in the category that matches their gender identity.' Campaigners lobbying for female sporting categories to remain single-sex claim that the LTA's policy is 'unlawful', which the tennis governing body denies. They say it leaves tennis clubs open to being sued, particularly in light of the Supreme Court judgment earlier this year. The Supreme Court ruled in April that under the Equality Act 2010 the legal definition of a 'man' and a 'woman' refers to their biological sex. In the wake of this judgment many sporting bodies moved to amend their transgender inclusion policies to ban trans women from competing in female categories. Su Wong from SEEN in Sport, one of the campaign groups opposed to the LTA's guidance, said: 'Most people are unaware that the LTA is encouraging clubs to adopt a policy that exposes them to risk of litigation. 'They are encouraging tennis players to be allowed to self-ID as the opposite sex, which is not recognised in UK law, and they have not adjusted this policy following the Supreme Court ruling. 'Inclusion' somehow never includes the women who want to play single-sex sports.' Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who has campaigned to keep women's sport single sex, wrote on X: 'This is an insane & illegal position by the LTA.' Sharron Davies LIA TOBY/GETTY IMAGES A senior LTA source rejected the suggestion that the Supreme Court judgment requires sporting governing bodies to ban trans women from playing the female category at levels including recreational play. He told The Times that it was important clubs had flexibility to set their own rules about trans inclusion in internal competitions for a number of reasons. For example, he said it would be 'nonsensical' if a club specifically set up for LGBTQ people could not hold a competition which was trans and non-binary inclusive. He made the further point that banning transgender women from all forms of competition in the female category would mean that they could not play in the gender with which they identify at any time, even with people who were perfectly happy to do so. But Wong questioned: 'Why don't the LTA recognise that trans players are already included in their own sex and mixed-sex categories and focus on making them feel welcomed and included there?' • A spokesman for the LTA said 'A policy which allows clubs the freedom to make their decisions locally is compliant with the law. 'However, we will continue to keep the policy under review, in particular in the context of any further guidance from government and other relevant public sector bodies'. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, which has issued an 'interim update' on the practical implications of the Supreme Court judgment, said it will address the rules about when competitive sports can be single sex in due course.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
City swimmers all set for a summer of success
Young swimmers from Newport are set to make waves across Britain this summer at a number of competitions. At the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships in Sheffield Lucy Grant and Maximus Major will be going head-to-head with the very best in the country. These future stars have earned their places among the top 20 swimmers in Britain—a huge accolade which speaks volumes about their drive and dedication. On July 26 four Newport athletes will be taking part in the Swim England National Open Water Championships at Rother Valley Country Park. They are Isabelle Morgan (7.5km), Brynley Davies (5km), George Timbrell (5km), and Alistair Chalk (3km). A spokesman for Newport Swimming Club, which they are all members of, said: "Qualifying was no small feat - they battled through regional heats, where only the top three swimmers from Wales earned their ticket to this thrilling national final. Expect grit, endurance, and plenty of cheering from the riverbanks.!" Newport Swimming Club will make a big splash at this year's Swim Wales Summer Meet, held from July 30 to August 3 at the Swansea International Pool. A total of 51 swimmers have qualified for the competition, which is a club record. The spokesman said: "Each one has achieved tough qualification times at Level 1 elite galas and ranks among the top 20 in Wales in their events. That's teamwork, talent, and a whole lot of poolside ambition. "We couldn't be prouder. These swimmers train hard, support each other, and embody everything that's great about youth sport in Wales. Watch this space—there's a bright future ahead.'
CBC
6 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Nunavut youth bring home medal in national French competition
Youth across the country faced off in sports, arts and leadership competitions. The CBC's Mah Noor Mubarik has more.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
USA Fencing changes transgender policy, cites new guidance from US Olympic Committee
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! USA Fencing has updated its gender eligibility policy after months of criticism for allowing biological males to compete in the women's category. The organization appeared to update its policy last week to include the following requirements for competing in domestic women's competitions: "Athletes who are of the female sex, provided all other entry criteria have been met." The new policy will go into effect beginning next month. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON The previous policy stated: "To participate in a USA Fencing-sanctioned event, athletes are to register with USA Fencing as the gender in which they identify," adding that biological males "may only compete in women's events after completing one calendar year (12 months) of testosterone suppression treatment." USA Fencing announced in late April that it was preparing to change its gender-eligibility policy to ensure that the women's category would be "open exclusively to athletes of the female sex." The new official policy does not include the "exclusively" language that was used in April's proposal. USA Fencing has declined to clarify to Fox News Digital if the new policy explicitly prevents all biological males from competing in women's events. USA Fencing also declined to specify how it will enforce the new policy, whether mandatory sex testing will be implemented or whether it will accept amended birth certificates as proof of birth sex. USA Fencing addressed the new policy in a public statement, claiming that the change came in response to new guidelines released by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). "On July 18, 2025, the USOPC released new athlete-safety guidelines that all national governing bodies must follow under a federal executive order issued by the president earlier this year. In response, USA Fencing will implement the updated Transgender & Non Binary Participation Policy that was first published and shared with the fencing community on April 15, 2025. This policy will be effective Aug. 1, 2025, for every sanctioned competition," the statement reads. "We remain firmly committed to respect, fairness and athlete well-being. This update, mandated by the USOPC, aligns our sport with current national standards while keeping community support at the forefront." WHO IS STEPHANIE TURNER? WOMEN'S FENCER WHO KNELT TO PROTEST TRANS OPPONENT AND IGNITED GLOBAL AWARENESS Fox News Digital has reached out to the USOPC for a response to USA Fencing's statement. The USOPC's transgender eligibility policy page now includes a note that reads, "As of July 21, 2025, please refer to the USOPC athlete safety policy." That policy does not lay out any clear guidelines regarding trans inclusion in women's sports. However, it does include one paragraph that directly cites President Donald Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. "USOPC will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities… to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201," the policy reads. USA Fencing has been under a national microscope for its gender eligibility policy since April 2, when footage of women's fencer Stephanie Turner kneeling to protest a trans opponent at a competition in Maryland went viral. Turner was disqualified and given a black card for her refusal to face the trans opponent, prompting mass backlash against USA Fencing. The controversy was then the subject of a federal hearing on May 7. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee's "Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" saw Turner testify against USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt. In early June, USA Fencing's board of directors voted to amend its previous policy that prioritized states with LGBTQ-friendly laws for host sites for competitions and a policy that may have prevented the playing of the national anthem at some events. Both of those policies were also highly criticized in the aftermath of Turner's viral protest. Then, the very next week, two USA Fencing board of directors members filed a lawsuit against the other six at-large members, alleging Lehfeldt made false statements to Congress at the May 7 hearing. The plaintiffs, Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem, each have long ties to the sport and organization, previously coaching or competing for Team USA. USA Fencing acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement to Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "USA Fencing proudly serves its members – athletes, coaches, referees and clubs – across our community with absolute transparency and integrity. This derivative lawsuit misrepresents our organization, and we will vigorously defend the organization in court; any attempt to disparage them will be addressed appropriately," the statement read. "Because litigation is ongoing, we cannot discuss details. Our focus remains unwavering: advancing fencing nationwide, supporting every member's success, and upholding the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movement."
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
York swimming club makes waves after qualifying for four major events
DEDICATED athletes from a York swimming club are making waves after qualifying for four prestigious UK and international events. Several swimmers at Tadcaster York Sport Swim Squad (TYSSS) have been selected for a series of elite events including the World Transplant Games 2025. Other events include the GoCardless Swim England National Summer Meet, the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships, the GoCardless Swim England Open Water National Age Group Championships 2025, and the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. Teammates from Tadcaster York Sport Swim Squad (Image: Submitted) Coaches, teammates, families, and supporters are rallying behind the athletes as they celebrate a season of exceptional progress and success. The club says their outstanding achievement reflects the dedication, talent, and relentless work ethic of the swimmers and their coaching team. While podium finishes are a goal, the focus remains on personal excellence, continued development, and gaining valuable experience at the national and international levels. 'Qualifying for even one of these elite competitions is a major accomplishment — having athletes selected for multiple events marks over a decade of consistent success at the national level and underscores the continued strength and growth of TYSSS's high-performance programme,' said a club spokesman. RECOMMENDED READS: R&B star Craig David lights up Scarborough Open Air Theatre Traders brave the elements as popular market returns to corner of York Dozens take part in charity bike ride in memory of North Yorkshire Police dog handler The Swim England National Summer Meet and Open Water National Age Group Championships, both taking place this July, will bring together the country's fastest age-group swimmers. TYSSS will be represented by a number of athletes who have delivered consistently strong performances throughout the season, with many setting personal bests and new club records. Open water qualifiers will tackle the demanding 7.5-kilometre swim required for their age category in a true test of endurance and determination. Meanwhile, the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships will showcase the most talented young swimmers from across the UK, including those with international experience. Earning a place at this level is an major achievement and a clear sign of elite potential. TYSSS is also celebrating qualifiers for the World Transplant Games 2025 and the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships, a prestigious international event that highlights the achievements of transplant and para-athletes. It also champions the importance of inclusion and opportunity in sport. Head Coach Danny Martland and Assistant Head Coach Vicky Holt expressed their pride in the team's achievements: Danny said: 'This is a huge milestone for the club. It reflects how far we've come in building a performance-focused environment that supports athletes at every stage of their development.' Vicky added: 'These swimmers have dedicated countless hours in the pool, and we're proud to see that commitment rewarded on a national stage. "Success has come across all age groups and categories — including para and transplant swimmers. It's been an exceptional year for TYSSS, following our national recognition as recipients of the Swim England Inclusion Award.' TYSSS swimmers will compete in a broad range of events, from freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke to individual medley and both freestyle and medley relays, with hopes of advancing through the heats and reaching finals.
