News

World Sailing Transgender & Non-Binary Policy 

World Sailing has published it’s Transgender & Non Binary Policy which is binding on, and must be complied with, by World Sailing officials (“WS Officials”), Member National Authorities (“MNA(s)”), athletes, athlete representatives, Event organising authorities (“OA(s)”) and all other applicable persons participating in Events. 

As Irish Sailing is the Member National Authority of World Sailing, this policy applies to all events in Ireland and comes into effect from 1 January 2025. 

The policy was developed by World Sailing following a consultation process including a survey of World Sailing stakeholders and the establishment of a working group made up of representatives from national federations, World Sailing Classes, the World Sailing Medical Commission, and athletes who are transgender female, cisgender female, and non-binary. In addition, World Sailing sought medical expertise from other international federations including World Athletics and the International Cycling Union (UCI). 

Under the new policy, transgender female athletes will only be permitted to participate in the female category of an event, or as a female athlete in the mixed category of an event, if: 

• they have not undergone male puberty; 

• they are also able to demonstrate that the concentration of testosterone in their blood has been less than 2.5 nanamoles per litre (nmol/L) continuously for a period of at least 12 months prior to the first event in which they wish to compete. 

In addition, transgender female athletes must maintain testosterone in their blood below 2.5 nmol/L at all times. 

Transgender male athletes will be permitted to compete in the male category of an event, or as a male in the mixed category of an event, if they provide a written and signed declaration that their gender identity is male. 

Non-binary athletes who have been through male puberty and are seeking to compete in the female category of an event, or as a female in a mixed event, must meet the same criteria established for transgender female athletes. Non-binary athletes who have been through male puberty or commenced hormone treatment will be able to compete in the male category of an event, or as a male in a mixed event. 

Irish Sailing hopes this is clear and helpful to event organisers and welcomes any member questions or feedback on the topic. 

The full policy can be referenced in the Irish Sailing Library here.