THE AFL has formalised and updated its gender diversity policy for both elite and community football competitions.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with state bodies, local leagues, the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee and inclusion experts including Pride in Sport, as well as gender-diverse and cisgender players.

>> READ THE FULL AFL STATEMENT

The policies for trans or non-binary footballers wishing to play in the AFLW, state leagues or elite pathways is as follows: 

• Testosterone levels to have been at or below five nmol/L for at least two years prior
• If that threshold is met, trans women and non-binary people may nominate for the AFLW Draft or apply to play in other elite competitions by providing information regarding their height, weight, bench press, 20m sprint, vertical jump, GPS data and 2km time trial
• If the application is approved, the player is required to maintain their total testosterone levels below five nmol/L, and may be required to undergo periodic testing

Transgender men or non-binary people wishing to play in elite men’s football competitions do not have the same requirements, as there is not the same potential for competitive advantage.

“We know that inclusion and belonging delivers real social benefits for individuals and communities, and we want to send a message that all are welcome in our game,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“We are pleased to collaborate with all the major sporting organisations in Australia in taking this important practical and symbolic step towards improved inclusion in sport and the community more generally.”

AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch said a wide range of sporting bodies and people from gender diverse communities had been consulted.

“I want to thank the community members who have been engaged with us during this process, in particular the gender diverse community, who were extremely generous in sharing with us their experience, expertise and perspectives,” Hosch said.

Community football has also been included, with the policy stating in general terms: transgender women may play in women’s competitions, transgender men can play in men’s competitions and non-binary people can choose which competition to play in.

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