Cricket Australia announce inclusion policy for transgender and gender diverse players

Cricket Australia on Thursday (August 8) announced the direction for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in elite and community cricket. They have developed an ‘Elite Cricket Policy’ and ‘Guidelines for Community Cricket’ that provides a framework which allows players to participate in cricket in line with their gender identity, whether or not this aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.



“It doesn’t make any sense that today, people are discriminated against, harassed or excluded, because of who they are,” said Kevin Roberts, CEO of CA, at a press conference on Thursday. “Today we demonstrate our commitment to include people with an affirmed gender identity in the game at every level and ensure all people in our communities experience Australian cricket’s inclusive culture.”



https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1159238036879581184



CA’s Elite Cricket Policy provides transgender and gender diverse players guidance on how they can compete at the highest level of the game, consistent with their gender identity. This policy is aligned with the International Cricket Council’s Eligibility on the Basis of Gender Recognition and establishes a clear pathway from community cricket all the way through to the international level. The policy also includes a referral process to an expert panel that will be established to “ensure fair and meaningful competition.”



“As strength, stamina and physique are all relevant factors when competing in competitive sport, transgender and gender diverse players will be supported to participate in elite cricket, subject to certain criteria through the implementation of this policy,” Roberts said.



A release from Cricket Australia also mentioned: “The Guidelines for Community Cricket will assist clubs, players, administrators, coaches and other volunteers to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, free of harassment and discrimination for gender diverse players at the game’s grassroots.”



“From a community cricket level, the guidelines provide robust guidance for clubs and associations to encourage the participation of transgender and gender diverse players and support frameworks for people who are subject to any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sex or gender identity,” Roberts added. “Discrimination of any sort has no place in the game and all of Australian Cricket is driven to ensure all cricketers can participate in a harassment-free environment.”



The policy also permits for transgender players born overseas to participate in Australia’s domestic level competitions. It however, does not apply to intersex athletes, where an individual is participating in the category consistent with their sex as assigned at birth.



“Cricket Australia's vision is to be a sport for all, so everyone deserves to be included,” said Megan Schutt, reflecting on CA’s decision. “To have a policy and guidelines that includes transgender and gender diverse players will create a better environment for everybody to play the game.”