Inclusiveness for transgender athletes was one of the issues discussed at a meeting of Australian sport Chief Medical Officers (CMO) at the AIS today.
The Australian Sports Commission, including the AIS, is in preliminary discussions with the Australian Human Rights Commission on the development of federal guidelines for national sporting organisations on the participation of trans and intersex people in sport.
The High Performance Sports Medical Officers Group met at the AIS today at which AIS Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes led a discussion on transgender inclusiveness in sport from a medical perspective.
“The Australian Sports Commission and AIS are committed to promoting an inclusive environment and supporting participation at all levels of sport on the basis of the gender with which a person identifies,” Dr Hughes said.
“The issue of transgender inclusiveness in sport isn’t isolated to Australia. There continues to be dialogue around the world.”
Dr Hughes said it was important Australian sports weighed up the rights of all athletes.
“The ASC provides guidance on transgender participation in sport and encourages all sporting organisations to develop clear guidelines around what makes an inclusive sport, taking into account the duty of care we have to all athletes,” he said.
The CMOs meeting coincided with the AIS World Class to World Best conference which brought together Australia’s high performance sports leaders to explore the future of sport, evolution of technology and the importance of athlete wellbeing.
Other issues discussed at the CMOs meeting included an update on anti-doping, the latest research on exercising in heat, an update on concussion and a presentation on ADHD in sport.