Gender Competition Policy Per USAV
Trans athletes are WELCOME to compete in any USA Volleyball tournament as long as they meet the following guidelines:
USA VOLLEYBALL GENDER COMPETITION POLICY
The vast majority of athletes are expected to compete as a member of the gender noted on their birth certificate. The goal of the USAV policy is to permit athletes to compete in the gender with which they identify, while minimizing any competitive advantage which may accrue. Athletes who wish to compete as a member of the gender opposite that recorded on their birth certificate must duly notify USAV of their intent, and provide appropriate medical documentation of their status to the USAV Gender Committee (GC) at least six weeks prior to the competition in which they wish to participate. Sufficient documentation must be provided to permit the GC to determine that the applicant has taken the necessary steps to transition to their adopted gender. At a minimum, this should include medical records documenting the athlete’s intended sexual reassignment (including physicians’ and psychotherapists’ statements, record of hormonal therapy, and the response to such therapy). The GC reserves the right to consult and share relevant information with medical experts, as deemed necessary.
Hormone therapy is a critical component of sex reassignment, but treatment with sex hormones may potentially provide transsexual athletes with an unfair competitive advantage. For this reason, the USAV GC requires that transsexual athletes provide documentation of appropriately managed therapy at the time of initial application to compete. If the athlete is approved to compete as a member of their adopted gender, periodic submission of test results documenting hormonal levels in response to ongoing treatment may be required by the GC. The GC will therefore be responsible for tracking transgender athletes once registered, in addition to serving as the point of contact for all inquiries regarding these participants. The expense of any required testing will be the responsibility of the athlete.
Current transsexual testing requirements are as follows:
Female to Male, all age groups (prepubertal, pubertal, and adult) All athletes must submit appropriate documentation upon request. Testosterone levels must not exceed the upper limit of the normal male reference range for their age group.
Male to Female:
All athletes must submit appropriate documentation upon request.
Testosterone levels must not exceed the upper limit of the normal female reference range for their age group.
Age 12 and Under (Prepubertal or Youth) No restriction if seeking to play on a female team.
Age 13-18 (registered as a Junior, including a 19 year old still in high school) (Pubertal or Adolescent) Testosterone levels must be within normal female reference range (for the age range) for a minimum of 6 months preceding the application to participate.
Age18 and Over (registered as an Adult) Testosterone levels must fall within normal adult female reference range for a minimum of 1 year prior to the application to participate.
CLICK HERE TO READ A POST BY VOLLEY SCIENCE.
Source: USA Volleyball Tourney Manual
Tiffany’s FIERCE Debut
Brazilian trans player Tiffany Abreu has been scoring for her team since her debut last week in the Italian A2 League.
In her first match against 4th ranked team Delta Informatica Trentino last week, Tiffany scored 28 points & helped her club team, Palmi, to win the match. Although, she and her team did not win the match a couple of days ago, Tiffany still scored 18 points.
Concerns Are Raised
While her club team is fully accepting of her gender status, members of Delta Informatica Trentino voiced out their concerns after losing the match. Even the President of the women’s league is NOT happy with her presence.
“On Sunday, it was not one game, but two games in one. The first game was in the first set before Tiffany entered the floor, which we could have won. Then a new game started when she entered the match. On a personal level, she will always have all my respect for what she has experienced, but speaking of sports, her physical abilities are not the same as a woman. Overall, this is a situation that leaves me feeling with a bitter taste. I am really so sorry for her too. Now I hope that those who make decisions for this sport will do something for the good of the sport.” -Team Captain Silvia Fondriest
“Technically, we are talking about a situation that is not fair. No one has done anything illegal, this is clear, but it is a situation that should be regulated. It is clear that her impact on the game has been devastating because she is still a player used to another kind of volleyball. Two months ago, she played in a men’s league with a higher net.” -Head Coach Of Trentino Ivan Iosi
“I want someone from the Italian Volleyball Federation to tell me what to expect in the future because many clubs in A2 (Division 2) have been asking questions and raising their concerns about her presence. I want the championship to be played fairly and with respect.” -Italian Women’s League President Mauro Fabris
Volleywood Says…
She has undergone hormone therapy and had sex reassignment surgery. She has been approved by the FIVB and the Italian League to play in the women’s league. Therefore, she is qualified to play and went through the process fair and square.
It’s totally understandable that some people are concerned about her presence and how she scores for her team but Tiffany is now a women and those who are against just need to deal with it and be more accepting. I just wonder if some would still be against Tiffany if was a setter and not a hitter.
Tiffany, don’t let any words discourage you from doing what you’re doing. I wish you the best!!!