by A transgender basketball player was banned from competing against biological women in the semi-professional women’s basketball league WNBL1 South in Australia on Tuesday.
Basketball Australia, the sport’s governing body in the country, has ruled that Lexi Rodgers is ineligible to compete in elite or sub-elite basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras. The Cobras play in NBL1 South, which serves as a lower-tier league below the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).
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“Firstly, on behalf of Basketball Australia I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank Lexi for her cooperation, understanding and patience throughout this process – it is a complex space that continues to evolve,” said Basketball Australia Director Suzy Batkovic. , in a press release.
“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the result, I know she will continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.
The WNBL logo appears on a ball during the round 15 WNBL match between the UC Capitals and Sydney Uni Flames at the National Convention Center on January 26, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Brent Lewin/Getty Images)
“As we continue to develop the framework for elite and sub-elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and ongoing education within all layers of the sport so that we can better support players, coaches, clubs, associations and basketball in general community.
“I also want to make it clear, because it is important, that while this particular application was not approved based on elite (or sub-elite) competition criteria, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusion at the community level where the balance between physical activity, health and well-being and the social benefits may outweigh the competitive nature of sport.
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Basketball Australia convened a panel led by Dr Peter Harcourt, Associate Professor Diana Robinson and Batkovic to determine Rodgers’ eligibility. The governing body said it assesses the availability of transgender athletes “on a case-by-case basis taking into account and balancing a variety of factors, and has implemented this process on behalf of Basketball Victoria in this matter.”
Rodgers said she was disappointed with the determination in a statement posted on Instagram.
“I was looking for a different result from Basketball Australia,” Rodgers wrote. “I participated fully and in good faith with the eligibility process and criteria. Based on the views expressed by so many, I strongly believe that I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball.
“Basketball is one of the great loves of my life. Like so many people who play every week across the country, the basketball court is where I feel safe, where I feel free, and where I feel like I belong.
“The support from the players, coaches, my club and members of the rank and file has been overwhelming. I am so grateful for their desire to have me as part of their community. That support fills me with pride, but also sends an honest message of equality. to those who also seek belonging within the sport”.
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Rodgers said that he would continue to advocate for transgender athletes.
