Martina Navratilova criticized the USTA for its stance on transgender athletes after Alicia Rowley won the Women's National Championships.
The
American tennis legend expressed her opinion on social media after the
Independent Council On Women's Sports (ICONS) announced on Instagram that
Rowley won the 55+ Grass Court National Championship and National Indoor
Singles and Doubles Championship.
The
co-founder of ICONS, Kim Shasby Jones, reacted to the news and tagged Martina Navratilova and
Billie Jean King on Twitter, calling for a change in the USTA's
policy on transgender athletes.
“The women
are calling us and begging for help to be allowed to play fairly. They have
complained; they don't know where else to turn.
“Men are
winning national titles, taking the place of women on team tennis, and
competing in women's tournaments across the country. “
“We need to
let the women and girls playing tennis know that they deserve to be treated
fairly and recognised for their accomplishments no matter when they pick up the
spor,” Shasby added.
“They do
not have to reach any kind of elite status. There is already a category for
male athletes to enjoy this privilege. Let female athletes enjoy the game of
tennis too.”
“Change the
policy' she added, addressing the governing bodies. 'And change your stance
@BillieJeanKing - don't abandon these women and this sport any longer,” she
concluded.
The former
world No. 1 and 16-times Grand Slam champion responded to the USTA rules:
“Come on
@USTA - women's tennis is not for failed male athletes- whatever age.
'This is
not right and it is not fair. Would this be allowed at the US Open this month?
Just with self ID? I don't think so…” stated Navratilova.
The
inclusion policy of the USTA requires identity confirmation for transgender
athletes in cases of professional play, though it is not necessary for
recreational categories.
“On the
league and recreational side of the equation, the USTA takes the position that
we do not require confirmations of gender identity status. Above all, we do not
want to be an obstacle to recreational participation.”
“Those who
transition from male to female are eligible to compete in the female category
under the following conditions: The athlete has declared that her gender
identity is female. The declaration cannot be changed, for sporting purposes,
for a minimum of four years.”
“Hormonal
therapy appropriate for the assigned sex has been administered in a verifiable
manner and for a sufficient length of time to minimise gender-related
advantages in sport competitions.”
