Basketball England Gender Participation and Eligibility Policy
The purpose of this document is to provide clear eligibility and inclusion criteria and processes which enable Participants to participate in Basketball.
Published: July 2025
1. Introduction
1.1 Basketball England (a company limited by guarantee, incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number 01429756 whose registered office is at Etihad Campus Rowsley Street, Gate 13, Manchester, England, M11 3FF) is the national governing body (“NGB”) responsible for regulating within its jurisdiction the participation of persons as competitors in all the disciplines of the sport of basketball in England (including 5v5, 3v3, disability basketball and walking basketball) (“Basketball”). Basketball England is responsible for determining the competition framework for Basketball including whether single Sex and/or mixed Sex competitions are sanctioned.
1.2 Basketball England has a duty of care to all Participants competing in Basketball and it is Basketball England’s view that gender identity should not be a barrier to participation. The purpose of this document is to provide clear eligibility and inclusion criteria (“Eligibility Criteria”) and processes which enable Participants to participate in Basketball (this “Policy”). This Policy reflects Basketball England’s commitment to providing safe, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory opportunities for all Participants.
1.3 Basketball England undertakes to make available (on request) to Participants electronic copies of this Policy as amended from time to time. Electronic copies of this Policy are available on the Basketball England website (“the Website”). The Website will also contain contact details in the event that (i) any person is unable to download this, Policy. In circumstances where an individual has been classified as having an intellectual impairment, Basketball England shall use all reasonable endeavours to communicate the contents of this Policy to such individual in the most appropriate manner and form in liaison with the parent of, or other person with parental responsibility for such individual.
2. Definitions and interpretations
2.1 The following terms have the following meanings:
Affirmed Gender: The Sex that a person identifies as or has transitioned/is transitioning to as opposed to that which was assigned at birth;
Applicable Laws: Any and all laws, statutes, regulations, decisions, rulings, directives, codes of practice, government policies, enactments or instruments (including national, regional, local or principal laws, regulations or by-laws of any kind whatsoever) relevant to this Policy;
Basketball England Competition(s): All activities, competitions, events and training sessions owned, run and/or organised by or on behalf of Basketball England including those delivered by Member Organisations;
BBF: The British Basketball Federation. The BBF is the national NGB responsible for regulating within its jurisdiction the Participants representing Great Britain in the sport of Basketball in Great Britain. The BBF is a Member Federation of FIBA;
Data Protection Legislation: All applicable laws relating to data protection, the processing of personal data and privacy, including: the Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 and any other data protection and/or privacy legislation applicable in the UK from time to time, (each as amended, updated, replaced or re-enacted from time to time and including all subordinate legislation made from time to time under or giving effect to the same) and references to “Controller”, “Personal Data”, “process”, “Processing”, “Special Category Personal Information”, “criminal convictions” have the meaning set out in, and will be interpreted in accordance with, such applicable laws;
Female: Possession of XX chromosomes and (in the absence of medical intervention) ovaries and increased circulating oestrogen and progesterone starting at puberty;
FIBA: The international federation (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur) recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competitions for Basketball;
FIBA Competition(s): Events, tournaments and other international competition events under the jurisdiction of FIBA;
FIBA Regulations: The general statutes, internal regulations, other rules and regulations and decisions of FIBA from time to time in force;
Legal Gender: The gender that is recognised under the law;
Male: Possession of XY chromosomes and (in the absence of medical intervention) testes and increased circulating testosterone starting at puberty;
Member Federation: A national governing body for Basketball which is a member of FIBA.
Member Organisation(s): Cubs and leagues which are Members of Basketball England.
Mixed Basketball: A format of Basketball which includes teams made up of Male and Female Participants;
Non-Binary: A person who identifies in some way outside of the man, woman gender binary;
Participant: Any participant who competes under the jurisdiction of Basketball England;
Participant Support Personnel: Any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff, official, nutritionist, medical, paramedical personnel, parent or any other person working with, treating or assisting a Participant taking part in or preparing for sports competition under the jurisdiction of Basketball England;
Sex: Natural biological differences between Females and Males, including chromosomes, sex organs, and endogenous hormonal profiles. This Policy uses the word Sex and the term “biological sex” interchangeably;
Transgender: People whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with the Sex they were assigned at birth;
Transgender Woman/Women: Someone who is assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a Female. This may be shortened to trans woman, or MTF, an abbreviation for male-to-female;
Transgender Man/Men: Someone who is assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a Male. This may be shortened to trans man, or FTM, an abbreviation for female-to-male;
Therapeutic Use Exemption: A Therapeutic Use Exemption (also known as “TUE”) allows a Participant with a medical condition to use a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method as defined in the WADA Code; but only if the conditions set out in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions are met;
UKAD: United Kingdom Anti-Doping (or any successor to, or replacement thereof). UKAD is the National Anti-Doping Organisation for the UK and is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the United Kingdom are compliant with the WAD Code through implementation and management of the UK Anti-Doping Rules and the National Anti-Doping Policy;
UKAD Rules: the UK Anti-Doping Rules (as amended from time to time);
Unlicensed Competition(s): Basketball activities, competitions, events and training sessions owned, run and/or organised independently (not on the behalf) of Basketball England within England;
WADA: World Anti-Doping Agency (or any successor to, or replacement thereof); and
WADA Code: The World Anti-Doping Code (as amended from time to time) which provides the framework for anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organisations and among public authorities. It is designed to harmonise anti-doping policies and ensure the standards are the same for all participants within all sports and countries.
2.2 References to “include” and “including” in this Policy are to be construed without limitation.
2.3 If any provision or part-provision of this Policy is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed deleted, but that shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of this Policy.
2.4 No failure or delay by Basketball England to exercise any right, make any decision or take any action provided under this Policy or by law shall constitute a waiver of that right, decision or action, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that right, decision or action. No single or partial exercise of such right, decision or action shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that right, decision or action.
3. The policy objectives
3.1 Basketball England is committed to the inclusion of all Participants in Basketball, subject to the Eligibility Criteria set out in this Policy.
3.2 It is committed to the separation of Basketball into men’s and women’s categories according to Sex, as this is necessary for the attainment of the goals that are set out in Section 1 of this Policy. It is also committed to providing the opportunity for Transgender Participants to compete in Basketball pursuant to Eligibility Criteria that are consistent with and do not undermine those goals.
3.3 In light of these commitments, the objectives of this Policy are:
3.3.1 to maintain the separation of Basketball into men’s and women’s categories according to scientifically grounded, Sex-based criteria;
3.3.2 to provide opportunities for Transgender Participants to compete in Basketball England Competitions in the competition category that reflects their Affirmed Gender based on Eligibility Criteria that are consistent with and do not undermine Basketball England’s eligibility and participation goals; and
3.3.3 to provide a comprehensive, fair and equitable process by which Participants may establish their eligibility for Basketball England Competitions.
4. Application of the Policy
4.1 This Policy came into effect on DATE TO BE INSERTED****
4.2 This Policy shall apply to:
4.2.1 Participants competing in Basketball England Competitions;
4.2.2 Participant Support Personnel; and
4.2.3 Member Organisations.
4.3 This Policy shall not apply to:
4.3.1 activities, competitions, events and training sessions outside of Basketball England Competitions including Unlicensed Competitions and competitions under the jurisdiction of the BBF and FIBA;
4.3.2 Participants and Participant Support Personnel involved in training camps, other activities, or competitions wholly within the jurisdiction of the BBF and/or any other body outside of Basketball England’s jurisdiction; and
4.3.3 Any case involving a prohibited substance or other offence under the WAD Code, FIBA Anti-Doping Regulations, UKAD Rules, and Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules (or any other applicable anti-doping rules) (as in place from time to time) and shall be dealt with by WADA, FIBA, UKAD and/or Basketball England according to those Anti-Doping Rules.
5. Power to change, rescind or add to the provisions of the policy
5.1 In the event an issue arises that is not foreseen in this Policy, it will be addressed by Basketball England in a manner that protects and promotes the objectives identified in this Policy.
5.2 Basketball England is committed to reviewing this Policy periodically which may be amended from time to time by Basketball England.
6. Laws
The laws of England and Wales shall apply to this Policy.
7. Participant support
7.1 Parents, or other persons with parental responsibility for all Participants aged under 18 (“Minor”) understand and agree, in respect of the Minor for which they have legal responsibility, for the Minor as a Participant to be bound by all aspects of this Policy.
7.2 Any individual seeking information on the application of this Policy should contact Basketball England for assistance at [email protected]
8. Eligibility criteria
8.1 All Participants are eligible to compete in the men’s category or in the women’s category in Basketball England Competitions subject to the Eligibility Criteria set out below.
8.2 All issues relating to the eligibility of a Participant under this Policy to compete in a particular Sex category will be determined by Basketball England.
8.3 Where a Transgender Participant from another sport wishes to participate in Basketball, Basketball England shall not recognise nor give effect to the decision of the other sport governing body.
9. Men's competition
Male Participants are eligible to compete in Basketball England Competitions in the men’s category, regardless of their Legal Gender and/or Affirmed Gender.
10. Women's Competition
10.1 Transgender Female and Non-Binary Participants (whose biological Sex is Male) are not eligible to participate in Basketball England Competitions in the female category.
10.2 Female Participants (whose biological Sex is Female) are eligible to participate in Basketball England Competitions in the female category, regardless of their Legal Gender and/or Affirmed Gender under the following conditions:
10.2.1 Female Participants who have previously used testosterone as part of female-to-male gender-affirming hormone treatment (with or without a Therapeutic Use Exemption) but are no longer following that treatment are eligible to participate in Basketball England Competitions in the female category if they can establish to Basketball England’s reasonable satisfaction that:
10.2.1.1 the testosterone use was for less than a year in total (i.e., from the date of first use to the date of last use) and did not take place during pubertal growth and development; and
10.2.1.2 their testosterone levels in serum (or plasma) are back to pre-treatment normal and any associated anabolic effects have been eliminated.
10.2.2 Female Participants who have used testosterone in violation of the WAD Code, FIBA Anti-Doping Regulations, UKAD Rules, and Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules (or any other applicable anti-doping rules) (as in place from time to time) may return to participation after they have served their period of ineligibility.
10.3 Where a Transgender Female Participant or Non-Binary Participant (whose biological Sex is Male) has been granted clearance by another sport to participate in the female category of that sport wishes to participate in Basketball, Basketball England shall not recognise nor give effect to the decision of the other sport and/or its governing body.
11. Mixed basketball competition
All Participants (including Female (those whose biological Sex is Female), Male (those whose biological Sex is Male), Transgender Female, Transgender Male and Non-Binary Participants) are eligible to participate in Mixed Basketball, Basketball England Competitions, regardless of their Legal Gender and/or Affirmed Gender.
12. Under-12 competition
All Participants under the age of 12 are eligible to participate in Basketball England Competitions in any category (Male, Female and/or Mixed Basketball), regardless of their Legal Gender and/or Affirmed Gender.
13. Fielding an ineligible participant
Member Organisations acknowledge and agree that fielding an ineligible Participant shall constitute as a breach of this Policy. In the event of such a breach, the Member Organisation shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Disciplinary Code and/or relevant competition rules and regulations.
14. Compliance
14.1 It is the responsibility of those subject to and bound by this Policy to ensure their ongoing compliance with the Policy.
14.2 Basketball England may monitor ongoing compliance with this Policy by any appropriate means.
14.3 Subject to Applicable Laws, in addition to the general power to monitor continuing compliance with the Policy, Basketball England may investigate, at any time, any circumstances that indicate actual or potential non-compliance with the Policy; and/or where the eligibility of a Participant is questioned and/or disputed by a third-party.
14.4 Except for investigations conducted by Basketball England, an Athlete’s eligibility shall not be questioned during any event or competition. Any instances of such behaviour or concerns must be reported to Basketball England at [email protected]
14.5 Basketball England will work with the Participant to undertake a sensitive and confidential review of their circumstances and shall have the authority to take all appropriate measures for the determination of the eligibility of the Athlete, if it considers that there are grounds to do so. Basketball England will only consider reasonable third-party requests which are submitted in writing, and which Basketball England considers clearly sets out the grounds upon which the Participant’s eligibility is questioned and/or disputed.
14.6 In such cases, if they wish to retain their eligibility to participate in Basketball England Competitions the Participant must cooperate fully and in good faith with that investigation. Where necessary to safeguard the fairness and/or integrity of competition and/or the safety of the competitors, Basketball England may provisionally suspend the Participant from participating in Basketball England Competitions pending resolution of the matter, provided that in such cases all reasonable endeavours will be used to complete the investigation as expeditiously as possible.
14.7 Any investigation under Section 14 must be initiated in good faith and on reasonable grounds based on information derived from reliable sources.
14.8 In addition to the general power to monitor continuing compliance, Basketball England may investigate, at any time any circumstances that indicate actual or potential non-compliance with this Policy.
15. Anti-doping requirements
15.1 Basketball England condemns, and is totally opposed to, the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in Basketball and fully supports the position of WADA, FIBA and UKAD against the use of banned substances and methods. All Participants have the right to participate in Basketball knowing that they, and their competitors, are clean.
15.2 Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules apply to all Participants and all Participants shall be deemed to have made themselves familiar with, and agreed to be bound by, the Basketball England Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the authority of WADA and UKAD in the application and enforcement of the Basketball England Anti-Doping Rules.
15.3 Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules and general anti-doping information can be found HERE.
15.4 For the avoidance of doubt Participants who are Minors are bound by Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules and are subject to drug testing. For the purposes of Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules, consent of parents, or other persons with parental responsibility to the testing of a Minor is deemed to follow automatically from the fact that the Minor has been permitted by their parents, or other persons with parental responsibility to participate in Basketball. Any Minors participating in Basketball, therefore, may be subject to drug testing.
15.5 More information about this can be found HERE.
15.6 It is the responsibility of all Participants to ensure that their actions are compliant with the relevant anti-doping regulations including but not limited to the WAD Code, FIBA Anti-Doping Rules, UK Anti-Doping Rules and Basketball England’s Anti-Doping Rules (or any other applicable anti-doping rules) (as amended in place from time to time).
15.7 It is a disciplinary offence for any Participant under Basketball England’s jurisdiction to fail or refuse (without compelling justification) to cooperate with any WADA, FIBA, BBF UKAD and/or Basketball England anti-doping investigation or proceedings; and/or to commit an act of misconduct related to anti-doping which does not amount to an anti-doping rule violation, with appropriate action taken where necessary.
15.8 In the event that Basketball England becomes aware of any information relating in any way to an apparent anti-doping rule violation by a Participant or other person under its jurisdiction, it shall immediately report that information in full to the WADA, FIBA, BBF and/or UKAD (as appropriate).
15.9 All Participants agree to Basketball England sharing their personal data, where relevant, with WADA, FIBA, BBF and/or UKAD for the purpose of intelligence sharing in relation to possible anti-doping rule violations. This information will be shared in accordance with Data Protection Legislation.
16. Disciplinary proceedings and sanctions
16.1 Basketball England may take disciplinary action against a Participant and/or Participant Support Personnel in accordance with this Policy and/or Basketball England’s Disciplinary Code (as in place from time to time) where:
16.1.1 information that is provided pursuant to this Policy is inaccurate or misleadingly incomplete;
16.1.2 a Participant takes part in a Basketball England Competition in a category for which they have not satisfied the Eligibility Criteria;
16.1.3 a Participant who has previously been determined to have satisfied the Eligibility Conditions fails to cooperate fully and in good faith with efforts to determine their continuing compliance with the Eligibility Criteria;
16.1.4 there has been any other breach of or non-compliance by a Participant with this Policy; or
16.1.5 Participant Support Personnel has been complicit in an Athlete’s breach of or non-compliance with this Policy.
16.2 In such disciplinary proceedings, the person(s) involved may not challenge the validity of this Policy and/or Disciplinary Code and/or any decision made under this Policy and/or Disciplinary Code except by way of Appeal in accordance with Regulation 13 of the Disciplinary Code and the Appeals Policy.
16.3 In such disciplinary proceedings, sanctions will be imposed in accordance with Basketball England’s Disciplinary Code as in place from time to time.
16.4 Without prejudice to the above, Basketball England may recognise and enforce any sanction imposed on a Participant or Participant Support Personnel by FIBA or BBF or any other another body affiliated to, or recognised by, FIBA or BBF.
17. Data protection and confidentiality
17.1 All Participant information provided to Basketball England under this Policy (including that provided via Play HQ) will be dealt with in strict confidence at all times in accordance with the provisions of Data Protection Legislation and Basketball England policies as in place from time to time.
17.2 So far as is practicable, confidentiality will be maintained at all times in respect of all those involved in any process arising under this Policy unless there is an overriding obligation in the interests of the Participant and safety for such information to be shared with other interested parties. Any such information shared shall be on a need-to-know basis only.
17.3 All medical information and data relating to a Participant will be treated as sensitive personal information and Basketball England will ensure at all times that it is processed as such in accordance with applicable Data Protection Legislation.
17.4 Basketball England will not comment publicly on the specific facts of a pending or decided case (as opposed to general descriptions of the process and science involved) except in response to public comments attributed to the Participant or Participant Support Personnel involved or their representatives to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
18. Miscellaneous
In no circumstances will Basketball England or any of Basketball England's employees, officers, agents, representatives, or other persons involved in the administration of this Policy be liable in any way for any acts done (or omitted to be done) in good faith in connection with the administration of this Policy.
19. Continued involvement
19.1 While all Participants have a place in Basketball, Basketball England acknowledges that the application of this Policy means that certain individuals may not be able to participate in the category that best aligns with their Legal Gender and/or Affirmed Gender. Individuals who exercise the choice not to participate because of these Eligibility Criteria are encouraged to consider coaching, officiating, administration, and/or other ways to participate in and stay involved with Basketball.
19.2 For more information on how to become involved, please visit: Get Involved