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ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS FOR TRANSGENDER ATHLETES(Version 2.0, approved by Council on 23 March 2023, and coming into effect on 31 March 2023)

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General Information
In the case of general queries regarding these Transgender Regulations, please contact:
Communications Department
World Athletics
6‐8, Quai Antoine 1er, BP 359, MC 98007 Monaco Cedex
Email: info@worldathletics.org
In the case of confidential queries regarding cases affected by these Transgender Regulations, pleasecontact:
Medical Manager
Health & Science Department
World Athletics
6‐8, Quai Antoine 1er, BP 359, MC 98007 Monaco Cedex
Email: medical.confidential@worldathletics.org

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1.

Introduction

1.1

World Athletics has adopted these Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes (the“Transgender Regulations”) to facilitate the participation of Transgender athletes in the sportof Athletics in the classification that is consistent with their gender identity, in accordancewith the following imperatives:
1.1.1World Athletics wants to give equal opportunities to all athletes to participate in and
excel at the sport, and to provide them with fair and meaningful competition
conditions, so that they are motivated to make the huge commitment and sacrificerequired to excel in the sport, and so inspire new generations to join the sport andaspire to the same excellence.

1.1.2

The substantial sex difference in sports performance that emerges from puberty
onwards means that the only way to achieve the objectives set out above is tomaintain separate classifications (competition categories) for male and female
athletes. That difference is due to the physical advantages conferred on male athletes
by the testes producing much higher levels of circulating testosterone than ovaries
produce from puberty onwards in female athletes.

1.1.3

World Athletics recognises that Transgender athletes may wish to compete in
Athletics in a classification consistent with their gender identity. World Athletics
respects the dignity of all individuals, including Transgender athletes. It also wishes
the sport of Athletics to be as inclusive as possible, and to encourage and provide aclear path to participation in the sport for all. It therefore seeks to place conditions onsuch participation only to the extent necessary to deliver fair and meaningfulcompetition conditions at the elite level of the sport.

1.1.4

These Transgender Regulations exist solely to achieve the objectives set out above. In
no way are they intended as any kind of judgement on or questioning of the gender
identity of any athlete. On the contrary, the dignity and privacy of Transgenderathletes must be respected and preserved, and therefore all cases arising under theseTransgender Regulations must be handled and resolved in a confidential manner,recognising the sensitive nature of such matters.

1.2

These Transgender Regulations come into effect on 31 March 2023, replacing the previous
edition of these Transgender Regulations (which came into effect on 1 October 2019), andapply immediately and in full to all cases falling within their scope. They will be subject toperiodic review, and may be amended following such review to take account of any new
evidence and/or relevant scientific or medical developments.

1.3

Since these Transgender Regulations apply globally, regulating the conditions for participationin competitions taking place around the world, insofar as is possible they are to be interpreted
and applied not by reference to national or local laws, but rather as an independent andautonomous text, and in a manner that protects and advances the imperatives identified
above. In the event that an issue arises that is not foreseen in these Transgender Regulations,
it will be addressed by World Athletics in the same manner.

1.4

The words and phrases used in these Transgender Regulations that are defined terms(denoted by initial capital letters) have the meaning given to them in the Generally Applicable

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Definitions section of the World Athletics Book of Rules, or else (if not defined there) have thefollowing meanings:"Applicable Persons" has the meaning given to that term in the Integrity Code of Conduct.
“Competition Rules” means the rules of that name included in the World Athletics Book ofRules, as amended from time to time.
“Expert Panel” has the meaning given to that term in Transgender Regulation 4.1.
“Generally Applicable Definitions” means the document of that name included in the World
Athletics Book of Rules.
“Medical Manager” means a medically qualified person who is authorised by World Athletics
to act on its behalf in matters arising under these Regulations.
“Tanner Stages” means the medical analysis that denotes the five stages of puberty during
which individuals develop secondary sex characteristics. Tanner Stage 2 denotes the onset ofpuberty. The normal time of onset of puberty ranges from 8 to 13 years old in females, andfrom 9 to 14 years old in males.
“Transgender” means a person whose gender identity is different from their biological sex(whether they are pre- or post-puberty and whether or not they have undergone any form of
medical intervention). A “Transgender male” is a person whose biological sex is female andwhose gender identity is male; and a “Transgender female” is a person whose biological sex
is male and whose gender identity is female. However, athletes who are Relevant Athletes –as that term is defined in the World Athletics Eligibility Regulations for the Female
Classification (Athletes with Differences in Sex Development) – are excluded from thisdefinition of Transgender, and their eligibility is governed by those regulations, not by theseTransgender Regulations.
“Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions” has the meaning given to that term inTransgender Regulation 3.2.
“Transgender Regulations” has the meaning given to that term in Transgender Regulation 1.1.
“World Record” has the meaning given to that term in the Competition Rules.
1.5

The Rules of Interpretation in the World Athletics Book of Rules apply to these Transgender
Regulations.

2.

Application

2.1

A Transgender Athlete who wishes to be eligible to compete in the classification consistent
with their gender identity at a World Rankings Competition, and/or if competing in acompetition which is not a World Rankings Competition but who wishes to have a
performance at that competition recognised as a World Record in such classification, agrees,as conditions to such eligibility:
2.1.1

to comply in full with these Transgender Regulations;

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2.1.2

to cooperate promptly and in good faith with the Medical Manager and the Expert
Panel in the discharge of their respective responsibilities under these Transgender
Regulations, including:
2.1.2.1

providing all of the information and evidence the Medical Manager and/or
Expert Panel request to assess their compliance with these Transgender
Regulations, including submitting to testing in accordance with theseTransgender Regulations;2.1.2.2

ensuring that all information and evidence provided by them or on theirbehalf to the Medical Manager and/or the Expert Panel is accurate andcomplete, and that nothing relevant is withheld; and2.1.2.3

consenting to and ensuring the disclosure by their physician(s) to theMedical Manager and the Expert Panel of any information or evidence that
the Expert Panel deems necessary to its assessment;

2.1.3(to the fullest extent permitted and not contrary to applicable laws) to the collection,
processing, disclosure and use of information (including their sensitive personal
information) as required to implement and apply these Transgender Regulations
effectively and efficiently;

2.1.4

to challenge these Transgender Regulations and/or to appeal decisions made underthese Transgender Regulations only as set out in Transgender Regulation 7, and not
to bring any proceedings in any court or other forum other than as prescribed inTransgender Regulation 7; and2.1.5

to provide written confirmation of their agreement with Transgender Regulations
2.1.1 to 2.1.4 upon request by World Athletics. However, their agreement to theseTransgender Regulations will be assumed as an automatic consequence of their
participation in Athletics and is effective and binding upon them whether or notconfirmed in writing.

2.2

An Athlete may revoke at any time, without having to give reasons, the consent that they have
granted further to Transgender Regulation 2.1. In that event, the Athlete will be deemed tohave withdrawn any claim to satisfy the eligibility conditions for Transgender Athletes set out
in Transgender Regulation 3.

2.3

Athletes, Athlete Representatives, Member Federations, Area Associations, Member
Federation Officials, any other Applicable Person, and any other person who brings themself
under the jurisdiction of World Athletics by providing information to World Athletics pursuant
to Transgender Regulation 2.6:
2.3.1

is bound by and must comply in full with these Transgender Regulations, including inparticular only providing accurate and complete information, and not providing any
information in bad faith or for any improper purpose; and2.3.2

must cooperate promptly and in good faith with the Medical Manager and the Expert
Panel in the discharge of their respective responsibilities under these Transgender
Regulations.

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2.4

All cases arising under these Transgender Regulations will be dealt with by the World Athletics
Health and Science Department, rather than by the Member Federation of the Athlete
concerned (or by any other body), unless the Medical Manager specifically asks for theirassistance with respect to a particular case. Each Member Federation must cooperate withand support World Athletics promptly and fully in the application and enforcement of theseTransgender Regulations (including assisting upon request in respect of assessments andinvestigations conducted under these Transgender Regulations), must observe strictly theconfidentiality obligations set out below, and must ensure that any Transgender Athlete under
its jurisdiction that is entered to compete in World Rankings Competitions is eligible to do sounder these Transgender Regulations.

2.5

A Member Federation may adopt its own regulations to determine the eligibility ofTransgender Athletes to compete in competitions taking place under its own jurisdiction thatare not World Rankings Competitions. For the avoidance of doubt, however:
2.5.1

Nothing that the Member Federation does or does not do at national level will affectthe eligibility of Transgender Athletes to compete in World Rankings- Competitions or
to have recognised a World Record in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition. That eligibility will instead be determined exclusively by reference tothese Transgender Regulations.

2.5.2

If a Member Federation decides to allow a Transgender athlete to compete incompetitions under its jurisdiction in the classification that is consistent with theirgender without having to meet the requirements of these Transgender Regulations,
World Athletics will not recognise the athlete’s performances for World Records orWorld Rankings purposes, and will list their results separately.

2.6

At the request of an Athlete whose case arises for investigation and/or assessment underthese Transgender Regulations, World Athletics will appoint an independent ombudsperson
to help the Athlete to understand and address the requirements of the Transgender
Regulations, and will pay the costs charged by the ombudsperson for providing suchassistance.

2.7

The dignity of every individual must be respected. All forms of abuse and/or harassment areprohibited. In particular (but without limitation):
2.7.1

2.7.2

Any person or entity that provides information to the Medical Manager and/or the
Expert Panel for consideration under these Transgender Regulations must:
2.7.1.1

ensure that the information is accurate and complete; and2.7.1.2

not provide any information in bad faith, to harass, stigmatise or otherwise
injure an Athlete, or for any other improper purpose.

No stigmatisation or improper discrimination on grounds of gender identity will betolerated. In particular, persecution of or campaigns against an Athlete simply on thebasis that their appearance does not conform to gender stereotypes areunacceptable. Any such conduct will be considered a serious breach of theseTransgender Regulations and of the Integrity Code of Conduct, as will any breach of
the confidentiality provisions set out below.

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2.8

For purposes of these Transgender Regulations, all measurements of serum testosterone
must be conducted by means of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

3.

Eligibility Conditions for Transgender Athletes
3A. Eligibility conditions for Transgender male Athletes

3.1

To be eligible to compete in the male classification at a World Rankings Competition or to haverecognised any World Record performance in the male classification in a competition that is
not a World Rankings Competition, a Transgender male Athlete must provide a written andsigned declaration, in a form satisfactory to the Medical Manager, that their gender identity
is male. As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of such declaration, the Medical
Manager will issue a written certification of that Athlete's eligibility to compete in the maleclassification in World Rankings Competitions and to have recognised any World Record
performance in the male classification in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition.
3B. Eligibility conditions for Transgender female Athletes

3.2

To be eligible to compete in the female classification at a World Rankings Competition and tohave recognised any World Record performance in the female classification at a competition
that is not a World Rankings Competition, a Transgender female Athlete must meet each of
the following conditions (together, the “Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions”) to thesatisfaction of the Expert Panel:
3.2.1

They must provide a written and signed declaration, in a form satisfactory to theMedical Manager, that their gender identity is female.

3.2.2

They must not have experienced any part of male puberty either beyond Tanner Stage
2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first).

3.2.3

Since puberty they must have continuously maintained the concentration of
testosterone in their serum below 2.5 nmol/L.

3.2.4

They must continue to maintain the concentration of testosterone in their serum
below 2.5 nmol/L at all times (i.e., whether they are in competition or out ofcompetition) for so long as they wish to retain eligibility to compete in the female
classification at World Rankings Competitions and/or have recognised any World
Record performance in the female classification at a competition that is not a World
Rankings Competition.

3C. Provisions applicable to all Transgender Athletes
3.3

For the avoidance of doubt:
3.3.1

No Athlete will be forced to undergo any medical assessment and/or treatment underthese Transgender Regulations. It is the Athlete's responsibility, in close consultation
with their medical team, to decide on the advisability of proceeding with any
assessment and/or treatment.

3.3.2

There are no other special conditions (i.e., other than the Transgender Female
Eligibility Conditions) that a Transgender Athlete must satisfy in order to compete at

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World Rankings Competitions and/or have recognised any World Record performanceat other competitions in the classification consistent with their gender identity. In
particular, the following are not required in order for a Transgender Athlete to beeligible to compete in a World Rankings Competition, and have recognised any World
Record performance in a competition that is not a World Rankings Competition, in theclassification consistent with their gender identity:

3.3.3

3.3.2.1

legal recognition of the Athlete's gender identity; or

3.3.2.2

surgical anatomical changes.

The eligibility conditions for Transgender Athletes set out in these Transgender
Regulations operate without prejudice to the other eligibility requirements that are
applicable to all Athletes (Transgender or otherwise) under the rules of World
Athletics. Those other eligibility requirements must also be satisfied at all relevanttimes. In particular, nothing in these Transgender Regulations is intended toundermine or affect in any way any of the requirements of the World Anti-Doping
Code, of the WADA International Standards (including the International Standard for
Therapeutic Use Exemptions), or of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. Nothing inthese Transgender Regulations permits, excuses, or justifies non-compliance with anyof those requirements, including any requirement for an Athlete to obtain atherapeutic use exemption for the use of substances on the WADA Prohibited List,
such as testosterone, spironolactone, or GnRH agonists.1

3.4

Once a Transgender Athlete has satisfied the relevant eligibility requirements set out above
and has started competing in World Rankings Competitions in the sex classification that is
consistent with their gender identity, they may not then participate in the other sex
classification in World Rankings Competitions, or have recognised any World Record
performance in the other sex classification in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition, unless and until (a) at least four years have passed since the last World Rankings
Competitions in which they competed as a Transgender Athlete; and (b) they satisfy all of theconditions for eligibility to compete in the other sex classification.

4.

Assessment of Cases

4.1

World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer (or their designee) will appoint a pool of independent
medical experts from which a suitably qualified panel of experts (the “Expert Panel”) may beformed to review cases arising under these Transgender Regulations. They will also designate
one of those experts to act as chair and to select the Expert Panel for each case. The chair andother independent medical experts appointed by World Athletics to this pool as of the dateof entry into force of these Transgender Regulations are identified in Appendix 2.

4.2

The Expert Panel may make such enquiries or investigations as it considers necessary to carryout its assessments accurately and effectively, including requesting further information fromthe Athlete or the Athlete's physicians and/or obtaining additional expert opinion(s). The
Athlete is responsible for ensuring that the information provided is accurate and complete,
and that nothing relevant to the Expert Panel's assessment of the case is withheld. The Athlete
must also provide the appropriate consents and waivers (in a form satisfactory to the Medical

1

See further the WADA Transgender Athletes TUE Physician Guidelines, available at www.wadaama.org.

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Manager) to enable the athlete’s physicians to disclose to the Medical Manager and the Expert
Panel any information that the Expert Panel deems necessary to its assessment.
4A.

Opening a case

4.3

A Transgender female Athlete who wishes to be declared eligible to compete in the female
classification at a World Rankings Competition, and/or to have recognised any World Record
performance in the female classification in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition:
4.3.1

must file the declaration referred to at Transgender Regulation 3.2.1 with the Medical
Manager;

4.3.2

must provide a comprehensive medical history, including details of:

4.3.3

4.3.2.1

any reassignment surgeries the Athlete has undertaken, including thedate(s) of any such procedures and whether they took place before orafter puberty;

4.3.2.2

any other relevant treatment the Athlete has received (including pre- or
post-reassignment treatment), including the timing, dosage, andfrequency of such treatment; and4.3.2.3

the results of any pre- or post-reassignment monitoring;save where they can prove to the satisfaction of the Medical Manager that they have
had a gonadectomy or other procedure that will have necessarily and permanently
suppressed their testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L:
4.3.3.1

must give the Medical Manager advance notice of their whereabouts, inthe manner and by the means specified by the Medical Manager (which
may involve, for example, providing the Medical Manager with the same
whereabouts information as the Athlete files under applicable antidoping rules), so that the Medical Manager is able to locate them for the
purposes of sample collection without advance notice at any time;

4.3.3.2

must provide samples on demand to a service provider engaged by the
Medical Manager, in accordance with sample collection proceduresprescribed by the Medical Manager to safeguard the identity andintegrity of the samples;

4.3.3.3

consents to the Medical Manager having those samples analysed toassess the Athlete’s compliance with the requirements of Transgender
Regulations 3.2.3 and 3.2.4; and4.3.3.4

agrees to advise the Medical Manager of the results of analysis ofsamples collected from the Athlete under applicable anti-doping rules(or, if they do not have that information, agrees to do everything in their

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power to ensure that the person holding that information provides it to
the Medical Manager).
4.4

The Athlete is responsible for ensuring that the information provided is accurate andcomplete, and that nothing relevant to the Expert Panel's assessment of the case is withheld.
The Athlete must also provide the appropriate consents and waivers (in a form satisfactory to
the Medical Manager) to enable the Athlete’s physicians to disclose to the Medical Manager
and the Expert Panel any information that the Expert Panel deems necessary to its
assessment.

4.5

After communicating with the Athlete and/or the Athlete's physicians to remedy any obvious
deficiencies, the Medical Manager will refer the file (in anonymised form) to the Expert Panel,
together with details of the steps that the Medical Manager proposes to take to monitor thelevels of testosterone in the Athlete’s serum, and will amend those proposed steps asnecessary to address any comments made by the Expert Panel.

4B.

Investigations

4.6

A Member Federation must promptly advise the Medical Manager of any relevant information
derived from a reliable source that indicates that an Athlete under its jurisdiction is or may be
a Transgender Athlete to whom these Transgender Regulations apply. The Medical Manager
will investigate and progress such cases as they see fit.

4.7

In addition, provided they are acting in good faith and on reasonable grounds based on
information derived from reliable sources (for example, the Athlete, the team doctor of theMember Federation to which the Athlete is affiliated, results from a routine pre-participation
health examination, and/or information/data (including but not limited to serum testosterone
levels) obtained from the collection and analysis of samples from the Athlete for anti-doping
purposes), the Medical Manager may investigate whether an Athlete who is competing or is
or may be entered to compete at a World Rankings Competition may be a Transgender Athlete
to whom these Transgender Regulations apply.

4.8

The Medical Manager may also investigate, at any time:
4.8.1

whether (because of a subsequent change in circumstances, subsequent learning, or
experience, or otherwise) it is necessary to require a Transgender Athlete who has
previously been determined to satisfy the Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions
to undergo further assessment by the Expert Panel to determine whether they stillsatisfy those conditions; and/or

4.8.2

any circumstances that indicate potential non-compliance by a Transgender Athletewith these Transgender Regulations.

4.9

The Athlete in question must cooperate fully and in good faith with the investigation by the
Medical Manager and any subsequent assessment by the Expert Panel, including by providing
serum and/or urine samples upon request for analysis, and/or submitting to medical
examination).

4.10

Where the Athlete does not cooperate as required under Transgender Regulation 4.9 orotherwise as required by these Transgender Regulations, or where otherwise necessary tosafeguard the fairness and/or integrity of competition, World Athletics may provisionallysuspend the Athlete from competing in World Rankings Competitions, and from being eligible
to set a World Record in any competition that is not a World Rankings Competitions, pending

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resolution of the matter. Where such provisional suspension is imposed, all reasonableendeavours must be used to complete the investigation and assessment as expeditiously as
possible. Any such provisional suspension may be appealed in accordance with Transgender
Regulation 7.2.2.
4.11

Where the Medical Manager concludes following an investigation that an Athlete is aTransgender Athlete to whom these Transgender Regulations apply, the Medical Manager will
invite the Athlete to provide the information set out in Transgender Regulation 4.2 so that
their case may be assessed.

4C.

Expert Panel assessment

4.12

The Expert Panel will assess cases referred to it by the Medical Manager to determine whether
the Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions have been met (or, if not, then what else theAthlete must do if they wish to satisfy those conditions). It will base its assessment on theguidance set out in Appendix 1. It may make such enquiries or investigations as it considers
necessary to carry out the assessment accurately and effectively, including requesting further
information from the Athlete or the Athlete's physician and/or obtaining additional expert
opinion(s).

4.13

If the Expert Panel has any concerns about the adequacy of any of the information provided
by or on behalf of the Athlete, it will give the Athlete a fair opportunity to address thoseconcerns before it comes to its final decision.

4.14

Once it has completed its assessment, the Expert Panel will send its decision in writing to theMedical Manager, who will forward it to the Athlete (with a copy to the Athlete's physician
and the Athlete ombudsperson, if any).
4.14.1 If the Expert Panel decides that the evidence provided is not sufficient to demonstratethat the Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions have been met, it must explain in
writing the reasons for its decision. Where applicable, it should also specify what else
the Athlete needs to do to satisfy those conditions (including, for example,
monitoring; reporting; further reviews).
4.14.2 If the Expert Panel decides that the Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions havebeen met, the Medical Manager will issue a written certification of that Athlete's
eligibility to compete in the female classification in World Rankings Competitions andto have recognised any World Record performance in the female classification in acompetition that is not a World Rankings Competition. That eligibility will be
conditional in every case on the Athlete continuing to maintain their serum
testosterone at a concentration of less than 2.5 nmol/L.

4.15

The Expert Panel's decision will be final and binding on all parties. It may only be challenged
by way of appeal in accordance with Transgender Regulation 7.

5.

Continuing Compliance

5.1

A Transgender female Athlete will be solely responsible for maintaining the concentration of
testosterone in their serum at less than 2.5 nmol/L for as long as they wish to be eligible tocompete in the female classification at World Rankings Competitions and/or to haverecognised a World Record performance in the female classification at any competition thatis not a World Rankings Competition.

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5.2

5.3

5.4

The Expert Panel may specify particular means of demonstrating such continuing compliance.
In any event, the Athlete must produce, on request, evidence satisfactory to the Medical
Manager of such continuing compliance. In particular, save where the Athlete can prove tothe satisfaction of the Expert Panel that they have had a gonadectomy or other procedurethat will have necessarily and permanently suppressed their testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L,
the Medical Manager:
5.2.1

may require the Athlete to provide ongoing evidence of the concentration of
testosterone in their serum, such as laboratory reports obtained by their personal
physician of the results of analysis of samples collected periodically from theAthlete;5.2.2

may monitor the concentration of testosterone in the Athlete’s system, including by
having samples collected from the Athlete and analysed for relevant evidence;

5.2.3

may consult with the chair of the Expert Panel at any stage during this process as
the Medical Manager considers necessary; and5.2.4

may refer the Transgender female Athlete back to the Expert Panel for further
assessment.

To facilitate the Medical Manager’s monitoring of a Transgender female Athlete's
testosterone levels under Transgender Regulation 5.2, the Athlete:
5.3.1

must give the Medical Manager advance notice of their whereabouts, in the mannerand by the means specified by the Medical Manager (which may involve, forexample, providing the Medical Manager with the same whereabouts information
as the Athlete files under applicable anti-doping rules), so that the Medical Manager
is able to locate the Athlete for purposes of sample collection at any time without
having to give advance notice;

5.3.2

must submit to collection of samples of their serum and/or urine on demand by aservice provider engaged by the Medical Manager, in accordance with sample
collection procedures prescribed by the Medical Manager to safeguard the identity
and integrity of the samples;

5.3.3

consents to the Medical Manager having those samples analysed to assess the
Athlete’s compliance with the requirements of these Transgender Regulations; and5.3.4

agrees to advise the Medical Manager of the results of analysis of samples collectedfrom the Athlete under applicable anti-doping rules (or, if they do not have that
information, agrees to do everything in their power to ensure that the person
holding that information provides it to the Medical Manager) for purposes ofassessing their compliance with the requirements of these Transgender
Regulations.

If a Transgender female Athlete who has previously been declared eligible to compete in thefemale classification in World Rankings Competitions:
5.4.1

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5.4.2

is found (whether by sample analysis or otherwise) to have failed to keep theconcentration of testosterone in their serum below 2.5 nmol/L;then (subject always to Transgender Regulation 5.5):
5.4.2.1

where World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer (or their nominee) considers
it necessary to do so to maintain the integrity of competition results, they
may disqualify the individual results obtained by the Athlete in the female
classification at World Rankings Competitions and/or other competitions,with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, ranking
points, prize money, records (including World Records), and other items
awarded to the Athlete based on those results;

5.4.2.2

where the Athlete is able to satisfy the Expert Panel on the balance of
probabilities that their failure to keep the concentration of testosterone intheir serum below 2.5 nmol/L was unintentional, the Athlete will beineligible to compete in the female classification in World Rankings
Competitions or to have recognised a World Record performance in thefemale classification in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition for such period (if any) as the Expert Panel shall consider
necessary to protect fair competition in the female classification; and5.4.2.3

where the Athlete is not able to satisfy the Expert Panel on the balance of
probabilities that their failure to keep the concentration of testosterone intheir serum below 2.5 nmol/L was unintentional, the Athlete will beineligible to compete in the female classification in World Rankings
Competitions or to have recognised a World Record performance in thefemale classification in a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition for the same period as the period of ineligibility that they would
have received for intentional use of an anabolic steroid under the World
Athletics Anti-Doping Rules in force at the relevant time. The Athlete will begiven a reasonable opportunity to provide any explanations or comments
they see fit before any results are disqualified or any period of ineligibility is
imposed pursuant to Transgender Regulation 5.4.

5.5

Any decision to disqualify results and/or to impose a period of ineligibility pursuant toTransgender Regulation 5.4 may be appealed by the Athlete in question in accordance with toTransgender Regulation 7.

6.

Disciplinary Proceedings

6.1

Without prejudice to the powers given to World Athletics in Transgender Regulations 4.11 and
5.4, where:
6.1.1

a Transgender Athlete competes in a World Rankings Competition in a classification
for which they have not satisfied the eligibility conditions set out in these Transgender
Regulations; or

6.1.2

an Applicable Person has been complicit in a breach of or non-compliance with theseTransgender Regulations by an Athlete; orWorld Athletics Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes (Version 2.0, approved by Council on 23 March 2023, and coming into effecton 31 March 2023)
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6.1.3

there has been any other breach of or non-compliance by an Applicable Person withthese Transgender Regulations;such breach of these Transgender Regulations amounts to a breach of the Integrity Code of
Conduct and will accordingly be subject to investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit underthe Athletics Integrity Unit Reporting, Investigation and Prosecution Rules (Non-Doping) andpossible prosecution before the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal in accordance with theDisciplinary Tribunal Rules.
6.2

In such disciplinary proceedings, the validity of these Transgender Regulations or of any
decision made under these Transgender Regulations may not be challenged. Instead, suchchallenge may only be brought by way of challenge or appeal in accordance with Transgender
Regulation 7.

6.3

In such disciplinary proceedings, the sanctions that may be imposed in case of proven breachmay include (depending on all of the circumstances of the case):
6.3.1

a caution, reprimand, and/or warning as to future conduct;

6.3.2

the disqualification of individual results obtained by the Athlete at World Rankings
Competitions, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals,
ranking points, prize money, or other items awarded to the Athlete based on thoseresults;

6.3.3

the disqualification of a World Record set at a competition that is not a World Rankings
Competition;

6.3.4

a specified period of ineligibility of the Athlete to participate in World Rankings
Competitions; and/or

6.3.5

a fine.

6.4

Where a Member Federation has failed to comply in full with these Transgender Regulations,
and/or has failed to ensure compliance in full by Athletes under its jurisdiction with theseTransgender Regulations, World Athletics may take action against that Member Federation inaccordance with its powers under the Constitution.

7.

Dispute Resolution

7.1

Excluding the disciplinary matters referenced in Transgender Regulation 6 (which will be
addressed as set out in that regulation), any dispute arising between World Athletics and an
Athlete (and/or their Member Federation) in connection with these Transgender Regulations
will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the CAS. In particular, the validity, legality,
and/or proper interpretation and application of these Transgender Regulations may only bechallenged (a) by way of ordinary proceedings filed before the CAS; and/or (b) as part of an
appeal to the CAS made pursuant to Transgender Regulation 7.2.

7.2

The following decisions (and only the following decisions) made under these Transgender
Regulations may be appealed by the Athlete who is the subject of the decision to the CAS in
accordance with this Transgender Regulation 7, by filing a Statement of Appeal with the CAS
and with World Athletics (as the respondent to the appeal) within thirty days of the date ofreceipt of the written reasons for the decision:

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7.2.1

a decision that the Athlete does not comply with the requirements of theseTransgender Regulations and therefore is not eligible to compete in World Rankings
Competitions (or to have a World Record recognised in other competitions) in theclassification that is consistent with their gender identity;

7.2.2

a decision pursuant to Transgender Regulation 4.11 to suspend an Athlete
provisionally from competition; and7.2.3

a decision pursuant to Transgender Regulation 5.4 to disqualify results and/or to
impose a period of ineligibility.

7.3

Any such challenge or appeal will be conducted in the English language and will be governedby the Constitution, these Transgender Regulations, and the other applicable rules andregulations of World Athletics, with the laws of Monaco applying subsidiarily. The CAS willhear and determine the challenge or appeal definitively in accordance with the CAS Code ofSports-Related Arbitration, provided that (1) in the event of any conflict between the
aforementioned governing instruments and laws on the one hand and the CAS Code of SportsRelated Arbitration on the other hand, the governing instruments and laws will takeprecedence; and (2) in any appeal the Athlete will have fifteen days from the filing of theStatement of Appeal to file their Appeal Brief, and World Athletics will have thirty days fromits receipt of the Appeal Brief to file its Answer. Pending determination of the challenge orappeal, the Transgender Regulations and the decision under appeal will remain in full force
and effect, unless the CAS orders otherwise.

7.4

The decision of the CAS on the merits of the challenge or appeal will be final and binding on
all parties, and no right of appeal or other challenge will lie from that decision on any ground,
except as set out in Chapter 12 of the Swiss Federal Code on Private International Law.

8.

Confidentiality

8.1

All cases arising under these Transgender Regulations, and in particular all information relating
to an Athlete that is provided to World Athletics under these Transgender Regulations, and all
results of examinations and assessments conducted under these Transgender Regulations,must be maintained in strict confidence at all times. All medical information and data relating
to an Athlete will be treated as sensitive personal information, and the Medical Manager mustensure that it is processed as such in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy
laws. Such information and data may not be used for any purpose that is not contemplated inthese Transgender Regulations, and may not be disclosed to any third party save (a) as isstrictly necessary for the effective application and enforcement of these Transgender
Regulations; or (b) as is required by law.

8.2

World Athletics will not comment publicly on the specific facts of a case arising under theseTransgender Regulations (as opposed to general descriptions of the process and science
involved) except in response to public comments made by the Athlete or the Athlete's
representatives.

8.3

Each member of the Expert Panel must sign an appropriate conflict of interest declaration andconfidentiality undertaking in relation to their work as a member of the panel.

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9.

Costs

9.1

World Athletics will bear the costs of assessment of the Athlete under these Transgender
Regulations (including the standing costs of the Expert Panel and all costs of the doctors andexperts involved in such assessment), as well as the costs of collecting samples from theAthlete to monitor their compliance with the requirements of these Transgender Regulations.

9.2

The Athlete will bear the costs of their personal physician(s) and of any treatment prescribed
for them by their personal physician(s), including any treatment required to satisfy therequirements of these Transgender Regulations, as well as any other costs of demonstratingcompliance with these Transgender Regulations that are not paid by World Athletics pursuant
to Transgender Regulation 9.1.

10.

Mutual Recognition

10.1

Where a Transgender athlete from another sport wishes to participate in the sport ofAthletics, World Athletics may recognise and give effect to the eligibility decision of theinternational federation of the other sport in relation to that athlete, provided that theeligibility decision and the regulations of that other sport relating to that eligibility decision
are consistent with these Transgender Regulations. Any eligibility so afforded shall be subject
to ongoing compliance by the athlete with the requirements of these Transgender
Regulations.

11.

Limitation of Liability

11.1

In no circumstances will World Athletics, any member of the Expert Panel, or any of World
Athletics' employees, officers, agents, representatives, and other persons involved in theapplication and/or enforcement of these Transgender Regulations be liable in any way to any
person in relation to acts done or omitted to be done in good faith in connection with theseTransgender Regulations.

11.2

Each case will be addressed as quickly as is reasonably practicable in all of the circumstances.
However, in no circumstance will World Athletics or the Medical Manager or any member ofthe Expert Panel be liable for any detriment allegedly suffered by the Athlete in question or
anyone else as a result of the length of time taken to complete the investigation/assessmentof their case.

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APPENDIX 1: MEDICAL GUIDELINES
Contents
1.

General background medical information

2.

Guidance on monitoring serum testosterone levels in transgender female athletes for
eligibility purposes

3.

Guidance on the method for measuring serum testosterone levels for eligibility purposes

The application of the Transgender Regulations will necessarily be highly individualised and specific tothe circumstances of the particular case. These medical guidelines are only intended to provide some
general guidance on certain medical aspects of the Transgender Regulations, to assist with theirapplication in practice. All information detailed in this Appendix 1 is based on existing literatureapplicable to such cases, and neither World Athletics nor any of its employees, officers, agents,
representatives, or other persons involved in the administration of these Transgender Regulations
shall be held liable in any way for any results obtained by the procedures adopted.
1.

General Background Medical Information

1.1

Gender identity refers to an individual’s self-perceived gender. This may be different to theindividual’s sexual anatomy, chromosomal, gonadal or hormonal sex, gender role or sex
recorded at birth.

1.2

Because some children who present as transgender will not in fact do so as adults, early medical
treatment carries significant risk. The issue is problematic because individuals who wish to avail
themselves of transgender treatment will find it easier at a younger age, prior to the need toreverse opposite sex characteristics developed in puberty. A paradigm to address the tension is
to use GnRH analogs (or progestins) that delay puberty in a reversible fashion until a longerterm plan is in place. GnRH analogs would be started at the first visible signs of puberty or
approximately Tanner 2. Note that pre-pubertal children do not require any medical
intervention.
Diagnosis

1.3

Diagnosis of transgender identity is usually straightforward among adults. Whether or not agiven individual with a transgender identity wants to address the incongruence is a very
personal decision and may be influenced by a variety of factors.

1.4

In order to avoid a psychiatric condition confounding the situation to such a degree that gender
identity is not clear, a mental health provider is normally included on the medical management
team to confirm the absence of such a confounder and to assist with transition-related stress(which can be significant).
Medical treatment

1.5

For transgender individuals who seek medical intervention, the most effective treatment
strategy is generally to change the individual’s appearance to align with their gender identity.

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1.6

The mainstay of medical treatment is hormone therapy. Many transgender individuals will alsoseek gender-affirming surgical interventions, with choices influenced by (among other things)
access to care, technical aspects of the specific surgeries, and personal elements that must be
customised to the specific patient.

1.7

Hormone treatment of transgender individuals follows conventional hormone paradigms, withthe same concerns and effects as are seen when using the same hormones for other purposes.

1.8

It is also important for transgender athletes to consider whether any medical treatment sought
requires them to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the use of a substance on the WADA
Prohibited List (such as testosterone, spironolactone or GnRH agonists). Further information
can be found in the WADA Transgender Athletes TUE Physician Guidelines, available atwww.wada-ama.org.
Transgender male treatment strategy and typical regimens

1.9

Typically, hormone treatment for transgender men consists of administration of testosterone
to bring the serum testosterone level up from the female range (0.06 to 1.68 nmol/L (95% twosided confidence limit)) to the male range (7.7 to 29.4 nmol/L (95% two-sided confidence limit)).
The doses required are similar to those used for treatment of hypogonadal males. Testosterone
is administered parenterally (either intramuscularly or subcutaneously) or transdermally (viagel, solution or patch).

1.10 A typical testosterone regimen is as follows:
Parenteral••

Testosterone esters (enanthate, cypionate, mixed): 50 – 250 mg IM or SC every 1-3 weeks
Testosterone undecanoate: 750 or 1000 mg every 8-12 or 10-14 weeks

Transdermal••

Testosterone gel, cream or solution: 50 – 100 mg/day
Testosterone transdermal patch: 2.5 – 7.5 mg/day

1.11 Most transgender men who seek medical intervention will also want chest reconstruction
surgery (mastectomy). However, most transgender men will not seek genital reconstruction
surgeries (phalloplasty or metoidioplasty) because of the high rate of complications, the cost (incountries where it is not part of general healthcare), and the potential for multiple surgeries(Kailas et al, Endocr Pract. 2017; 23).
1.12 Transgender treatment guidelines have expressed concern of possible malignancy risk in female
reproductive tissues exposed to androgens for long periods. This is one reason why transgendermen have commonly elected to have hysterectomy and oophorectomy early in treatment.
However, because there are no data demonstrating the cancer risk, there has been a downward
trend in the frequency of such surgeries.
Transgender female treatment strategy and typical regimens
1.13 For transgender women, the strategy is to decrease serum testosterone levels from the malerange to the female range. Although more invasive than medicine alone, the easiest way toWorld Athletics Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes (Version 2.0, approved by Council on 23 March 2023, and coming into effecton 31 March 2023)

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achieve the goal is with a gonad-removing surgery (orchidectomy, which may or may not be
part of a genital reconstruction surgery, i.e. vaginoplasty), followed by age-appropriate
estrogen replacement therapy to feminise and to protect bone health over time.
1.14 For transgender women treated medically, the typical hormone treatment consists of estrogen
supplementation and an androgen-lowering or -blocking agent.
1.15 Multiple estrogen options exist. The most popular are 17 beta estradiol and conjugatedestrogens (although these are not used in Europe). Depending on the individual, doses may be
double to quadruple those typically given to post-menopausal women. The doses sometimes
need to be higher still for individuals with testes present in order to reduce serum testosterone
levels to the female range.
1.16 There are reports that the thrombogenicity of estrogens can be mitigated if oral administration
is avoided. Although the data are not conclusive, transdermal and injectable estrogens arerecommended in some countries. While transdermal estradiol is easy to monitor, injectableestradiol is more difficult to monitor than oral estrogens. The strongest data regarding
estrogens relate to increased thrombogenicity with oral ethinyl estradiol specifically. Therefore,
current guidelines discourage its use in favor of the other agents available.
1.17 One anti-androgen is spironolactone, used because of its long-term safety profile arising fromits 50-year history as a potassium-sparing diuretic to treat hypertension. Higher doses are usedthan are required for blood pressure control, with doses of approximately 200 mg/day notunusual and doses as high as 400 mg/day sometimes observed (in divided doses if needed forthe patient to tolerate).
1.18 Another commonly used anti-androgen is cyproterone acetate. Cyproterone acetate is more
expensive in some countries than spironolactone, and it is not available at all in some countries.
Recently, cyproterone acetate has been associated with slight elevations in prolactin levels notobserved with other androgen-lowering agents.
1.19 A third anti-androgen is depot GnRH agonist therapy, used for transgender children following
the regimens typical for precocious puberty. However, GnRH agonist therapy can be very
effective in lowering serum testosterone levels for adult transgender women as well. There are
no long-term safety data for GnRH therapy in such patients. Its use is further limited by being
substantially more expensive than either spironolactone or cyproterone acetate, as well as
being administered parenterally, whereas the other two are administered orally.
1.20 Some transgender women may also use the androgen-blocking drug finasteride, a 5α-reductase
inhibitor that (among other things) is intended to mitigate male-pattern baldness.
1.21 A typical regimen for transgender women is as follows:
EstrogensTransdermal••

Estradiol transdermal patch: 0.025 – 0.2 mg/day (new patch placed 1-2 times per week)
Estradiol gel: 1 – 2 mg/day

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Parenteral••

Estradiol valerate or cypionate: 2 – 30 mg IM every 1-2 weeks
Polyestradiol phosphate: 80 mg every 3-4 weeks

Oral
•
•

Estradiol: 2.0 – 8.0 mg/day
Conjugated estrogens: 2.5 – 10.0 mg/day

Testosterone lowering or blocking agents••••

Spironolactone: 100 – 400 mg/day
Cyproterone acetate: 25 – 50 mg/day
GnRH agonist: 3.75 – 11.25 mg SC monthly (longer interval regimens are common too)Finasteride: 1 – 5 mg/day

1.22 Many transgender women will supplement medical treatment with gender-affirming surgeries
such as (1) facial feminisation surgeries (especially sought by transgender women transitioning
later in life after having been exposed to male androgen levels for a longer time period); (2)breast augmentation surgery; and (3) genital reconstruction surgery. Although society has
tended to focus on genital surgery as the defining gender-affirming surgery, transgenderindividuals demonstrate great heterogeneity in surgical choices. Notably, less surgery may besought than previously expected, and a higher priority than commonly appreciated may beplaced on visible surgeries like facial feminisation procedures and breast augmentation rather
than on genital surgeries (Kailas et al, Endocr Pract. 2017; 23).
Monitoring of medical treatment
Transgender male monitoring
1.23 One concern about testosterone therapy is an increase in haematocrit (with a possible
increased thrombosis risk). This risk is greatest with excessive testosterone dosage. Patients
may also be advised to be aware of mood changes.
1.24 The typical monitoring regime includes indicated clinical examination, including blood pressure
and laboratory testing, every 3 months when making changes to the regimen and then every 612 months thereafter. Usual monitoring includes measurement of serum testosterone (todetermine success of therapy), haematocrit, and lipid profile.
1.25 Malignancy screening must include all body parts present regardless of whether or not they areassociated with one sex or another (for example, Pap smears and mammograms for transgender
men who still have cervix and breasts, respectively).
Transgender female monitoring
1.26 The biggest concern for estrogen therapy is an increased thrombosis risk, which can lead todeep venous thromboses, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. There are no data for otherestrogen-dependent health concerns, although many practitioners monitor classic estrogensensitive laboratory values including prolactin.
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1.27 Anti-androgen therapy of any sort may result in decreased libido. Spironolactone is a potassiumsparing diuretic, which means that sensitive individuals may have unacceptable rises in theirpotassium levels.
1.28 Usual monitoring of transgender female hormone regimens includes measurement of serum
testosterone (to determine success of therapy), estrogen level (estradiol), prolactin, potassium(if spironolactone is used). The typical monitoring regime includes indicated clinical examinationand laboratory testing every 3 months when making changes to the regimen, and then every 612 months thereafter.
1.29 Malignancy screening must include all body parts present regardless of whether or not they areassociated with one sex or another (including prostate cancer surveillance even for transgenderwomen who have had genital reconstruction surgery).
References
1.30 The following (non-exhaustive) references may be of interest:•

Fung et al, Differential Effects of Cyproterone Acetate vs Spironolactone on Serum HighDensity Lipoprotein and Prolactin Concentrations in the Hormonal Treatment ofTransgender Women, J Sex Med 2016; 13: 1765e1772.

•

Hembree et al, Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons:
An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, November 2017,
102(11):1–35.

•

Irwig, Testosterone therapy for transgender men, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;
Apr;5(4):301-311.

•

Kailas et al, Prevalence And Types Of Gender-Affirming Surgery Among A Sample Of
Transgender Endocrinology Patients Prior To State Expansion Of Insurance Coverage,
Endocr Pract. 2017; 23.

•

Mamoojee, Yaasir et al, Transgender hormone therapy: understanding internationalvariation in practice, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Volume 5, Issue 4, p243-246,
April 2017.

•

Saraswat et al, Evidence Supporting the Biologic Nature of Gender Identity, Endocr Pract.
2015; 21: 199-204.

•

World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Standards of Care, available atwww.wpath.org.

•

www.uptodate.com/contents/transgender-men-evaluation-and-management•

www.uptodate.com/contents/transgender-women-evaluation-and-management

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2.

Guidance On Monitoring Serum Testosterone Levels In Transgender Female Athletes For
Eligibility Purposes

2.1

As discussed above, for transgender women there are several different treatment strategies todecrease serum testosterone from the male range to the female range (the most definitive
being gonad-removing surgery). The typical clinical monitoring regime is detailed above.

2.2

For eligibility purposes, the Transgender Regulations authorise World Athletics to monitor anathlete's compliance with the Transgender Female Eligibility Conditions at any time, with orwithout notice, whether by random or targeted testing of the athlete's serum testosterone
levels, or by any other appropriate means.

2.3

Monitoring programmes will necessarily be highly individualised and specific to thecircumstances of the particular case and should be established with the support of an
endocrinologist/gynaecologist or a hormone-prescribing physician experienced in the field.
Particular factors to consider might include:•

Whether the athlete is pre- or post-puberty.

•

Whether the athlete has undergone orchidectomy.

•

The type of medical treatment used by the athlete. For example, an orchidectomised
athlete may require only a limited amount of monitoring. Athletes using daily estrogen
medications (oral, transdermal) that have short-term testosterone suppressive effects
may require unannounced testing from time to time, whereas depot estradiol implants
require less surveillance due to their longer duration of action. Similarly, athletes using
daily oral spironolactone or cyproterone acetate in the form of oral daily capsules will
likely need to be monitored more closely than athletes using depot gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agonists administered every 1-3 months.

•

The physiological demands of the sport and the likely performance-enhancing effect of
testosterone.

•

Other information collected during the course of establishing and maintaining eligibility(for example, any evidence of medication non-compliance, previous loss of eligibility, orother risk factors).

2.4

In some cases, the laboratory data obtained from an athlete's routine clinical follow-up mightprovide an acceptable or sufficient level of monitoring. In other cases, additional monitoring
may be required.

3.

Guidance on The Method for Measuring Serum Testosterone Levels For Eligibility Purposes

3.1

For purposes of the Transgender Regulations, all measurements of serum testosterone levels
must be conducted by means of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (e.g.
LC-MS/MS or LC-HRMS), which provides much better specificity than traditional immunoassay
methods.

3.2

The method used must be validated by the laboratory carrying out the test and must also be
accredited to the ISO/IEC-17025 or 15189 international standards by a recognised accreditationbody that is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

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These requirements may be met by clinical laboratories as well as by WADA-accredited
laboratories.
3.3

The method used must comply with assay performance criteria, including a measurement
uncertainty (estimated during method validation at testosterone concentration levels close to
the threshold of 2.5 nmol/L) of not more than 20%.

3.4

The performance of the method must be monitored through participation of the performing
laboratory in appropriate proficiency testing (PT) and/or external quality assessment scheme(EQAS) round(s).

3.5Serum samples should be collected using standardised sample collection procedures (forexample, those used for anti-doping purposes). Such procedures might include the following:•

It is recommended that samples are collected in the morning (as testosterone
concentration in serum decreases during the day).

•

Venous blood should be collected, with the athlete remaining in a normal seated position
with feet on the floor for at least ten minutes prior to providing the sample. Samples
should not be collected within two hours of any physical exertion.

•

A collection tube containing a clotting agent and a gel separator should be used e.g. BD
Vacutainer SST-II Advance (a single sample only will be sufficient, but World Athletics may
decide to collect a reserve sample as well, at its discretion).

•

The sample should be transported to the laboratory in a refrigerated state. The sample
should not be allowed to freeze, and temperature should preferably be maintained in therange 2-12°C (ideally around 4°C). A temperature data logger should be used to record
the temperature of the sample during transport.

•

The sample should arrive at the laboratory within 48 hours of sample collection. The
sample should be centrifuged as soon as possible on arrival and stored frozen if it cannot
be analysed immediately.

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APPENDIX 2: EXPERT PANEL

NameArea of expertise

1

Prof. Joshua Safer (USA) Chair

Endocrinology, Transgender Medicine

2Prof. Angelica Lindén Hirschberg (SWE)

Gynecology/endocrinology

3Prof. Natalie Nokoff (USA)

Pediatrics/endocrinology

4Prof. Lourdes Ibáñez Toda (ESP)

Pediatrics/endocrinology

Prof. Jeffrey D. Zajac (AUS)

Pediatrics/endocrinology

5World Athletics Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes (Version 2.0, approved by Council on 23 March 2023, and coming into effecton 31 March 2023)