Trans Athlete Participation Best Practices + Expanding Categories Guide

Best Practices for Trans Athlete Participation

While debates about transgender athletes often focus on elite competition, most sports organizations are simply trying to answer a practical question: what policies actually work?

A guide of best practices to expanding participation categories + including trans and gender diverse athletes in your sport.

Many leagues, schools, and governing bodies have already developed frameworks that balance inclusion, fairness, and safety. The most effective policies focus less on policing bodies and more on creating environments where all athletes can participate respectfully and confidently.

• Expanding Participation Categories

• Clear and Transparent Eligibility Policies

• Updating Codes of Conduct

• Creating Comfortable Changing Spaces

• Supporting Coaches + Team Education

• Protecting Athlete Privacy

• Establishing Clear Conflict Resolution Policies

• Keeping Focus on Participation

Expanding Participation Categories

One of the most effective ways to support inclusive participation is to offer flexible competition categories. Not every sport requires the same structure, and many organizations have found success expanding options beyond a strict binary.

Some leagues maintain a traditional women’s category while also offering an open or co-ed category available to athletes of any gender identity. Others have adopted “Women+” divisions that welcome women, trans women, nonbinary athletes, and gender-diverse participants. Providing multiple pathways for participation allows leagues to expand access while still structuring competition in ways that feel fair and comfortable for athletes.

Understanding Co-Ed, Open, and Women+ Divisions

One of the most practical ways sports organizations support inclusive participation is by offering more than one competition category. Many leagues now use structures such as co-ed, open, and women+ divisions, each designed to serve different goals around participation, competitive balance, and gender inclusion. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually describe different models of participation. Understanding the differences can help leagues design structures that work for their athletes and communities.

Co-Ed Divisions

A co-ed division is a mixed-gender format where athletes of different genders compete together on the same team.

In many sports, co-ed divisions include roster rules designed to maintain gender balance. For example, a team may be required to have a minimum number of women or gender-diverse athletes on the field or court at all times.

Co-ed divisions are common in:

• recreational leagues

• adult amateur leagues

• club sports

• community leagues

Examples include co-ed softball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and soccer leagues.

The goal of co-ed play is typically shared participation and social competition, rather than strict gender separation. Because teams are mixed, the format often reduces concerns about gender eligibility policies entirely.

Open Divisions

An open division is exactly what it sounds like: any athlete may compete regardless of gender identity. Unlike co-ed divisions, open categories do not require gender balance on teams. Participants compete based on skill level rather than gender classification.

Open divisions are common in sports such as:

• running and endurance races

• Cycling

• Weightlifting

• martial arts tournaments

• E-sports

• some collegiate club sports

Historically, what many people call the “men’s division” in sports is technically an open category, because men’s divisions rarely exclude women from entering. Some organizations have begun explicitly labeling these categories as “open” rather than “men’s” to make this structure clearer.

Open divisions can be particularly useful in sports where physical differences are less central to competition or where leagues want to reduce administrative complexity around eligibility.

Women+ Divisions

A Women+ division is a participation model designed to center women while welcoming gender-diverse athletes who may not feel comfortable competing in a men’s or open category.

Women+ divisions typically include:

• cisgender women

• transgender women

• nonbinary athletes

• gender-nonconforming athletes

Some leagues may also include transgender men who are early in transition, depending on their policies and the athlete’s preferences. Women+ categories have become more common in sports communities that want to prioritize gender equity while recognizing gender diversity.

You’ll see Women+ formats in:

• cycling events

• climbing competitions

• recreational sports leagues

• queer sports leagues

• community tournaments

The goal of Women+ divisions is to maintain a space centered around women’s participation while remaining inclusive of athletes whose identities fall outside traditional gender categories.

Why Some Leagues Offer All Three

Many modern sports leagues now offer multiple participation pathways at once. For example, a league might include: a Women+ division, an Open division, and a Co-Ed recreational division. This structure allows athletes to choose the environment where they feel most comfortable competing.

It also recognizes that athletes participate in sports for different reasons. Some prioritize competitive fairness, others prioritize community and social play, and many simply want a welcoming place to stay active. Offering multiple divisions allows leagues to meet those needs without forcing a single model onto every athlete.

Choosing the Right Structure for Your Sport

Not every sport requires the same approach. The best participation model depends on factors such as:

• the level of competition

• the physical demands of the sport

• the size of the athlete pool

• the goals of the league or organization

Youth leagues and recreational sports often benefit from co-ed or open participation, where the emphasis is on inclusion and participation. Highly competitive leagues may prefer clear eligibility rules for gendered divisions alongside open competition categories.

What matters most is that policies are transparent, consistent, and centered on athlete well-being.

Clear and Transparent Eligibility Policies

When sports organizations develop eligibility policies for transgender athletes, clarity and transparency are essential. Athletes should understand expectations before a season begins, and policies should prioritize fairness, privacy, and participation.

Different leagues may take different approaches depending on their level of competition, governing body requirements, or institutional policies. Below are several models organizations commonly use.

Transition Period Policies

Some leagues allow transgender athletes to compete in gendered divisions after a defined transition period.

For example, transgender women may become eligible for women’s divisions after a period of hormone therapy. Historically, many sports federations have used timelines between one and two years, though recreational leagues sometimes adopt shorter timelines. The goal is to create a clear pathway for eligibility while maintaining competitive consistency.

Open Division Options

Another approach is offering an open division where athletes of any gender identity can compete. Open categories allow participation without requiring medical verification or transition timelines. They are particularly useful in recreational leagues, endurance events, and sports with smaller participation pools. Maintaining both gendered and open divisions gives athletes more flexibility in choosing where to compete.

Participation-First Policies

In situations where governing bodies restrict official eligibility, some leagues allow athletes to participate even if they are not eligible for official standings or records. For example, an athlete may compete in games or events but be excluded from championship scoring if required by external rules. While not ideal, this approach ensures athletes remain connected to their teams and communities.

Institutional Compliance Policies

Schools and universities sometimes must follow eligibility rules set by larger governing bodies. Even in those cases, institutions can support transgender athletes by allowing them to practice with their team, attend meetings, travel to competitions, and access facilities aligned with their gender identity. These steps help ensure athletes remain part of the team environment even when competition eligibility is limited.

Recreational and Youth League Policies

Many youth and recreational leagues take a simpler approach by allowing athletes to compete according to their gender identity without requiring medical documentation. Because these environments focus on participation and development, inclusion policies often prioritize respectful team culture rather than strict eligibility criteria.

Protecting Athlete Privacy

Eligibility policies should protect athlete privacy whenever possible. Organizations should avoid requiring public disclosure of medical information or transition status. Any eligibility review should be handled confidentially and with respect for the athlete’s dignity. Finally, policies should be written clearly, publicly available before the season begins, and applied consistently. When athletes and coaches understand the rules ahead of time, it reduces confusion and helps teams stay focused on what matters most: playing the sport.

Updating Codes of Conduct

One of the simplest and most effective steps sports organizations can take is updating their Code of Conduct to explicitly include gender identity and gender expression.

Clear policies should state that harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on gender identity will not be tolerated. This includes misgendering, derogatory language, or behavior intended to exclude athletes from team participation.

When expectations are clearly written into league policies, it becomes much easier for coaches and administrators to address issues quickly and maintain a respectful team culture.

Key elements organizations may consider including:

• Non-discrimination protections that explicitly include gender identity and gender expression.

• Respectful language expectations, including using an athlete’s correct name and pronouns.

• Clear reporting procedures so athletes, coaches, and staff know how to report discrimination or misconduct. / Confidential complaint processes that protect the privacy of individuals raising concerns.

• Expectations for spectators and parents, including respectful behavior toward athletes and officials.

• Social media conduct guidelines, discouraging harassment or targeted attacks against athletes online.

• Education or training expectations for coaches, administrators, and staff on topics such as inclusion, anti-bullying practices, and athlete well-being.

• Privacy protections, including respecting athletes’ personal information and not requiring public disclosure of gender identity or medical history.

Creating Comfortable Changing Spaces

Facilities are often a source of concern in conversations about inclusion, but solutions are usually straightforward. Many leagues address this by providing optional private changing areas, individual stalls, or private restroom spaces for any athlete who prefers additional privacy.

Importantly, these options should be available to all athletes rather than targeting any particular group. When privacy is treated as a universal option, it supports dignity and comfort for everyone on the team.

Some additional ideas:

• Offer optional private changing spaces such as single-stall bathrooms, staff offices, equipment rooms, or curtained areas for any athlete who prefers additional privacy

• Provide a “minimum garment” expectation in shared changing spaces (for example, athletes remain in undergarments while changing). This approach allows athletes to change comfortably while maintaining personal privacy

• Use staggered changing schedules or rotations when facilities are small, allowing teams or groups of athletes to rotate through locker rooms

• Invest in pop-up tents for your team or institution for an additional private and gender-neutral changing option that can be implemented anywhere, including outside

• Encourage athletes to arrive partially dressed for games or practices when possible, minimizing time spent changing in shared spaces

• Post simple signage or guidelines in locker rooms emphasizing privacy and respect for all athletes

• Coordinate with host venues in advance for away games or tournaments to identify available private spaces if locker rooms are limited

Supporting Coaches and Team Education

Policies alone are rarely enough to create strong team environments. Education plays a critical role in helping coaches and athletes understand how to apply inclusion in practice.

Many organizations provide short trainings or resources that cover respectful language, gender identity basics, and expectations for team behavior. These conversations help prevent confusion and allow teams to focus on what they came together to do (you know, play the sport.)

Education also helps coaches feel more confident navigating questions or situations that may arise during a season.

Protecting Athlete Privacy

Sports organizations should avoid policies that require athletes to disclose personal medical information or undergo invasive verification procedures.

Historically, attempts to “prove” an athlete’s sex (through chromosomal testing or medical examinations) have caused harm and disproportionately targeted women whose bodies fall outside narrow expectations. Modern best practices prioritize privacy and dignity. Athletes should never be required to publicly defend their identity in order to participate in sports. Historically, attempts to “verify sex” in sports have caused significant harm to athletes.Best practices recommend avoiding:

• mandatory chromosomal testing

• invasive medical exams

• public disclosure of medical information

Establishing Clear Conflict Resolution Processes

Even with strong policies in place, questions may occasionally arise about eligibility or team dynamics. Organizations benefit from having a clear process for addressing concerns.

This can include confidential review procedures, designated staff or administrators who handle complaints, and guidelines for protecting athletes from harassment during disputes.

Clear procedures ensure that conflicts are handled fairly and respectfully without placing unnecessary stress on individual athletes.

Even with strong policies, questions or disagreements may arise. Organizations should establish clear procedures for:

• handling complaints respectfully

• reviewing eligibility questions privately

• protecting athletes from harassment during disputes

Keeping the Focus on Participation

For the vast majority of athletes, sports are not about Olympic medals or national rankings. They are about teamwork, physical health, personal growth, and community.

Inclusive policies help ensure that sports remain spaces where more people can experience those benefits.