World Athletics Introduces New Eligibility Regulations for Female Category

The World Athletics Council has announced a significant change in its eligibility rules for the female category in world ranking competitions. Starting 1 September 2025, all athletes wishing to participate in the female category will be required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test, a reliable biological marker for determining sex. This landmark decision will first be implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, beginning 13 September 2025.

Understanding the SRY Gene Test

The SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y) test will be conducted through a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient for the athlete. The test will be administered under the supervision of Member Federations, ensuring authenticity and compliance.
This genetic test acts as a scientific proxy for determining biological sex, removing ambiguities and controversies surrounding eligibility in the women’s category.

The Rationale Behind the New Rules

• The new regulations are rooted in the protection and integrity of women’s sport.
• “For you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female. Gender cannot trump biology.”
• He explained that the goal is to ensure that women entering athletics do so without facing a biological glass ceiling, thereby preserving fair competition.

Recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group

The regulations follow recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, approved by the Council in March 2025 after over a year of consultations with experts in law, science, sport, and society. The key recommendations included,

• Affirming the design and goals of the female category.
• Merging the DSD (Differences of Sex Development) and Transgender Regulations into a unified framework.
• Implementing a pre-clearance requirement for all female category athletes.
• Adopting transitional provisions for athletes already in the pipeline.
• Considering future support initiatives for elite gender-diverse XY athletes.

Defining the Female Athlete Category: Eligibility Criteria

According to Eligibility Rule 3.5, athletes allowed to compete in the female category include,

• Biological females.
• Biological females who have previously used testosterone for male gender-affirming treatment (with conditions of a minimum four-year gap after last usage, case by case).
• Biological males with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) who did not undergo male puberty.
• Biological males with DSD (Differences of Sex Development) who meet the transitional provisions.
• It is important to note that transgender women are not affected under the current rules, as none compete at the elite international level at present.

Standing Commitments of World Athletics

Despite the new regulations, World Athletics reaffirmed its core commitments,

• No judgment or questioning of gender identity.
• Respect for the dignity and privacy of all athletes.
• Strict confidentiality and data protection compliance.
• No requirement for surgery for eligibility.
• These assurances highlight that while the rules prioritize fairness in women’s sports, they also respect human rights and personal dignity.

Implications for Tokyo 2025 and Beyond

The World Championships in Tokyo will be the first major global event where the new regulations are enforced. This will serve as a litmus test for the policy’s impact on athlete participation, fairness, and the global sporting community’s response.
The move is expected to spark further debates on gender and biology in sports, but World Athletics maintains that the rules are essential to preserve fair play and the spirit of women’s athletics.