Collegiate Water Polo Association Releases Collegiate Club Transgender Athlete Appeal Process

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Board of Directors has released a policy and appeal process for transgender athletes in the league’s collegiate club divisions.

Transgender Athlete Policy

• The Collegiate Water Polo Association is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable sports environment for all those who wish to participate. This policy aims to provide guidelines for the participation of transgender athletes at the collegiate club level, ensuring fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all. Transgender athletes who identify as male may participate in the Co-ed League (commonly referred to as the Men’s League). Transgender athletes who identify as female are eligible to compete in both the Co-ed League and the Women’s League.
• To participate in the CWPA Women’s Club League, transgender athletes who identify as female must submit the following documents to the league office prior to the start of their competition:

1) Letter of Confirmation

• • A letter from the athlete, if an adult, or from the athlete’s parent/guardian, if a minor, confirming the athlete’s gender identity. This confirmation shall remain consistent throughout their tenure in the CWPA.

2) Medical Validation

• • Athletes must provide one of the following:
    • Testosterone Levels: Demonstrating that their total testosterone level in serum is below 10 nmol/L within 60 days prior to their first competition.
    • Written Confirmation from Healthcare Physician: Written confirmation of the start of physical gender transitioning/testosterone suppression from a qualified healthcare physician not related to the athlete.

Privacy and Confidentiality

• CWPA is dedicated to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of transgender athletes. Personal information related to gender identity, health records, and other supporting evidence will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Appeal Process

• Every athlete has the right to appeal their eligibility when they perceive their circumstances as exceptional. The CWPA is dedicated to ensuring a just and accessible appeal process. Athletes must submit their appeal with supporting evidence to the Club Governance Council using the official Appeal Form:

Transgender Athlete Appeal Form

This appeal form must be submitted no less than two weeks prior to the date of competition.

Date Submitting Appeal*

Athlete's Name*

Team*

Competition Date:*

Email:*

Phone Number:*

To participate in the CWPA Women's Club League, transgender athletes who identify as female must submit the following documents to the league office.

1) Letter of Confirmation A letter from the athlete, if an adult, or from the athlete’s parent/guardian, if a minor, confirming the athlete’s gender identity. This confirmation shall remain consistent throughout their tenure in the CWPA.

Upload

Upload

2) Medical Validation Athletes must provide one of the following:

(a) Testosterone Levels: Demonstrating that their total testosterone level in serum is below 10 nmol/L within 60 days prior to their first competition.

Upload

Upload

(b) Written Confirmation from Healthcare Physician: Written confirmation of the start of physical gender transitioning/testosterone suppression from a qualified healthcare physician not related to the athlete.

Upload

Upload

If an applicant is unable to complete the requirements listed above, indicate the reasons:

Explanatory Reasons:*

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