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Gender verification in sport: the need for change?
M A Ferguson-Smith1, E A Ferris
1University of Cambridge, UK.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Most female athletes unjustly fail gender verification tests. A new code of practice is proposed to prevent unfair disqualification and ensure fair play in sports.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Genetics
- Ethics in Sports
Background:
- Gender verification in sports aims to ensure fair competition.
- Current testing methods may lead to unjust exclusion of eligible female athletes.
- The prevalence of unfair disqualifications in sportswomen is a significant concern.
Observation:
- An estimated 1 in 504 sportswomen face unjust failure in gender verification.
- Existing protocols lack sufficient clinical validation for equitable application.
- The consequences of unfair disqualification impact athletes' careers and well-being.
Findings:
- A substantial proportion of sportswomen are unfairly disqualified through current gender verification procedures.
- The proposed code of practice offers a method to mitigate unjust outcomes.
- Clinical examination is suggested as a more acceptable future standard.
Implications:
- Implementing a revised code of practice can enhance fairness and inclusivity in sports.
- Reducing unjust disqualifications protects athletes' rights and promotes gender equity.
- Further research into equitable and scientifically sound gender verification methods is warranted.