The NCAA’s Board of Governors has introduced a new participation policy for collegiate women’s sports, restricting competition to student-athletes assigned female at birth. This policy does not extend to men’s sports, allowing student-athletes assigned male at birth to practice with women’s teams under certain conditions. The NCAA emphasizes that this policy is effective immediately, applying to all student-athletes regardless of prior eligibility reviews.

This announcement follows an executive order from the Trump administration barring transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports. NCAA President Charlie Baker highlighted the importance of clear and uniform eligibility standards across all member institutions to avoid inconsistencies from varying state laws and court decisions.

Under the new policy, student-athletes assigned female at birth undergoing hormone therapy are ineligible to compete in women’s teams. Non-compliance with this rule would result in the team being disqualified from NCAA women’s championships. The NCAA acknowledges that individual schools retain autonomy in determining athletics participation, while recognizing the authority of local, state, and federal legislation.

Exceptions to the policy include sports with mixed men’s and women’s teams, such as rifle. The Board of Governors has also instructed staff to assist member schools in promoting inclusive athletic environments. NCAA President Baker reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing competitive opportunities while prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of student-athletes through this updated policy, which aims to bring clarity and modernization to college sports.