The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced a new policy addressing the participation of transgender and non-binary players in British national tennis and padel competitions. The policy, unveiled on Wednesday, reflects the LTA’s ongoing efforts to balance fair competition with the promotion of an inclusive environment for all players.
Set to take effect on January 25, 2025, the policy is limited to competitions under the LTA’s direct jurisdiction and does not extend to international events held in the UK, such as Wimbledon or ATP and WTA tournaments.
Striking a Balance Between Fairness and Inclusion
As the national governing body for tennis and padel in Britain, the LTA faces the complex challenge of accommodating diverse participants while maintaining fair competition standards. The policy has been informed by scientific research, including findings from the Sports Councils Equality Group, and feedback from stakeholders within the tennis community.
The LTA stated, “We have tried to find the right balance between both responsibilities, aware that there are diverse and reasonable opinions on where that balance should be struck.”
One key consideration in shaping the policy is the physical advantage that male-born athletes may retain in sports where physical attributes play a significant role. Factors such as reach, cardiovascular capacity, and strength were highlighted as potential contributors to competitive imbalance in mixed-gender events.
Two-Tier Competition System
To address these concerns while promoting inclusivity, the LTA’s new policy categorizes competitions into two groups:
- Specified Competitions (Grades 1–6):
- These events, ranging from national championships to local county leagues, aim to provide fair and standardized competitive opportunities.
- Under the new rules, trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth will not be eligible to compete in the women’s category in these competitions.
- Non-Specified Competitions (Below Grade 6):
- These intra-club events prioritize fun and social engagement, encouraging inclusivity at the grassroots level.
- Decisions on participation will be left to individual venues, fostering a welcoming environment for all players, regardless of gender identity.
The LTA emphasized the importance of local inclusivity, stating, “We want to encourage local clubs to be as inclusive as possible, offering opportunities for trans and non-binary people to feel part of their local sports community.”
Flexibility and Ongoing Review
Acknowledging the diverse opinions on this sensitive issue, the LTA has committed to ongoing evaluation of the policy. It will adapt to emerging research, new data, and updated guidance from relevant bodies as needed.
“We recognise the diversity of opinion around this matter and would like to assure the tennis community that the LTA will continue to listen to all views and keep the policy under review,” the statement read.
A Step Toward Inclusive Fairness
The LTA’s new policy represents a significant step in addressing the complex intersection of fairness and inclusivity in sports. By dividing competitions based on their purpose—whether competitive or social—the LTA aims to ensure that every participant feels valued while upholding the integrity of competition.
As the policy rolls out in early 2025, its impact on the tennis and padel community will be closely watched, potentially setting a precedent for other sports organizations navigating similar challenges.