The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has introduced a new regulation that prohibits biological males from competing in girls’ sports, a significant policy shift that has generated considerable discussion.
According to the NIAA’s latest directive, male student-athletes are restricted to competing only in sports designated for boys or co-ed categories. This regulation mandates that participation aligns with the sex identified on the student’s original birth certificate, a move aimed at reinforcing traditional definitions of gender within the realm of high school sports.
Female athletes, on the other hand, can only join boys’ teams if there is no corresponding girls’ team available and they must qualify for that team. They retain the option to compete on teams designated for girls or co-ed divisions, thereby preserving some flexibility within the framework.
This new ruling marks a reversal of the NIAA’s 2014 policy, which permitted transgender athletes to participate in accordance with their gender identity. A notable example under the old regime was Diamond Solorzano, a transgender athlete from North Valleys High School in Reno, who triumphed in two state championships in girls’ track and field in 2023.
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NIAA Executive Director Timothy Jackson lauded the new rule as a reflection of the organization’s commitment to adapting to the “evolving landscape of interscholastic sports.” He stated, “By refining our approach to governance and prioritizing student athletes, we are taking important steps to uphold fairness and opportunity for all participants.”
Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor, Stavros Anthony, expressed his approval of the NIAA’s decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that “high school girls can compete in a protected category exclusively for female athletes.” He argued, “Girls deserve a level playing field, and this action helps ensure they can compete, grow, and succeed without having to compromise safety or fairness.”
Earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor Anthony established the Task Force to Protect Women’s Sports, which is tasked with examining policies affecting female athletes. This initiative underscores the growing scrutiny and debate surrounding gender and sports, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.
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Marshi Smith, chair of the task force, praised the NIAA’s recent decision, asserting that the new policy aligns with federal law and reflects a commitment to protecting women’s sports.
Attempts to obtain comments from the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada and the nonprofit Advocates for Trans Equality were unsuccessful prior to publication, leaving a gap in the discourse surrounding this contentious issue.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
