Fairness in Women’s Sports
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Keep Males Out Of Female-Only Sports
Female sport categories exist to provide fair, safe, and equitable competitive opportunities for women and girls. This fact sheet outlines evidence, real-world examples, and policy considerations demonstrating why sex-based eligibility is necessary for female-only sport categories, while preserving inclusive participation options for everyone.
Definitions
Female vs. Male: Determined by reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, and secondary sexual characteristics.
• “Female” – An individual whose reproductive system is structured to produce ova (egg cells) and typically has two X chromosomes. Biological females usually develop female gonads (ovaries), internal reproductive structures (uterus, fallopian tubes), and external genitalia (vulva). Secondary sexual characteristics often include breast development, wider hips, and patterns of body fat distribution. Puberty in females typically leads to menstruation and the capacity for pregnancy.
[This definition covers chromosomal, genetic, gonadal, internal and external genital, pubertal, and reproductive capacity aspects of sex, and does not exclude any female, including those with variations such as Turner syndrome, androgen insensitivity, or other intersex conditions.]
• “Male” – An individual whose reproductive system is structured to produce sperm and typically has one X and one Y chromosome. Biological males usually develop male gonads (testes), internal reproductive structures (e.g., vas deferens and prostate), and external genitalia (penis and scrotum). Secondary sexual characteristics often include facial and body hair, deeper voice, and greater muscle mass. Puberty in males typically leads to sperm production and fertility.
[This definition covers chromosomal, genetic, gonadal, internal and external genital, pubertal, and reproductive capacity aspects of sex, and does not exclude any male, including those with conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome or other intersex variations.]
• “Boy” – Male child or adolescent
• “Girl” – Female child or adolescent
• "Man" - Adult male human being
• "Woman" - Adult female human being
• “Competitive sports” – Organized physical activities in which individuals or teams compete against one another under established rules, with the goal of winning, achieving measurable performance outcomes, or demonstrating skill, strength, or strategy. Competitive sports often involve training, official scoring or timing, and recognition of results through rankings, awards, or titles. This includes school, amateur, post-secondary, and recreational competitions regulated by a governing organization.
• “Female-only category” – A sport category designated for biological females, intended to provide equitable competitive opportunities.
Canadian AMAB Athletes Who Won Female Competitions
• Michelle Dumaresq – Downhill mountain biking; Canada Cup winner & Canadian National Champion; 2002–2004
• Veronica Ivy (Rachel McKinnon) – Track cycling (Masters); UCI Masters World Championship 35–44 Sprint; 2018
• Tiffany Newell – Masters track running; Canadian Masters Indoor 1500m / 5000m; 2023
• Anne Andres – Masters powerlifting; regional / masters category wins; 2023
• Kristen Worley – Canadian women’s cycling competitions; 2023
• Nathanielle Morin – 5K recreational run (BougeBouge); 1st female; 2024
All six are Canadian AMAB (biological males) who competed in female categories & won.
Nearly 900 Cases Worldwide
• Report: Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports – UN Special Rapporteur on VAWG
• Findings: Policies allowing AMAB athletes in female categories have led to over 890 medals lost by 600+ female athletes in 400+ competitions across 29 sports (as of March 30, 2024).
Sources: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/female-athletes-lost-nearly-900-medals-to-transgender-competitors-un-report-6857482/amp/1 & https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/sr-vawg-ga79-report-auv_0.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Scientific Evidence on Biological Advantage
Muscle, Strength & Body Composition:
AMAB athletes have greater muscle mass, bone density, limb length, and strength compared to AFAB athletes, even after hormone therapy.
Source: ACSM Consensus Statement
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37772882/
Cardiovascular & Endurance Advantage:
Larger heart and lung volumes give AMAB athletes higher VO₂ max and endurance capacity.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37772882/ & https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/165/5/bqae036/7639012 & https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30010735/
Performance Persistence:
Studies show AMAB athletes retain advantages in sprinting, swimming, cycling, and strength-based sports, making competitions unequal and unfair.
Source: Transgender Inclusion Critiques, ACSM
Women-Led Sport Advocacy Organizations
XX-XY Athletics – International, women-led organization founded by female athletes; advocates for female-only sport categories alongside open divisions
https://www.xx-xyathletics.com/pages/our-mission
Fair Play for Women – UK-based, women-led organization advocating for sex-based rights in sport and law
https://fairplayforwomen.com/sport/
Women’s Rights Network (WRN) – Women-led advocacy organization addressing sex-based rights, including sport policy and fairness issues
Save Women’s Sports – Coalition involving female athletes, coaches, and advocates with international reach
Female Athletes United – Network of current and former female competitors advocating for fair, sex-based sport policy
https://femaleathletesunited.org
Women’s Declaration International (WDI) – Women-led international organization addressing sex-based rights, including sport
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