DSD and transgender rules
As it stands, there is currently no clear, unified approach or framework between the IOC and its International Federations (IFs) regarding the participation of athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) and transgender athletes from the local through to the national and global stage.
IFs have been able to decide their own participation rules – based on fairness, inclusion and metamask scientific evidence – following a revised framework put in place by the IOC in November 2021.
Some IFs, like World Athletics, have subsequently adopted tighter regulations with stricter thresholds or additional requirements for DSD athletes, while others, like World Rugby, have taken a stronger position in banning transgender athletes from competing in elite women’s competitions, citing competitive advantage and safety concerns, among others.
Welcome!
