Transgender Participants in RDFNL Netball

The RDFNL CEO on behalf of the RDFNL Board has today written to all RDFNL Clubs advising them of an outcome following complaints surrounding the participation of two Transgender athletes in the RDFNL Senior Netball Competitions. A summary of the communication sent to Senior Clubs can be found below.

Based upon complaints from RDFNL Clubs, a discussion held at the RDFNL Netball Coordinators Meeting on May 21^st, and the questionnaire results received from Clubs, the RDFNL Board has opted to continue to adopt the Netball Victoria Transgender and Gender Diverse Policy. The RDFNL have the option to consider the inclusion of Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act that allows exclusion on the grounds of ‘’gender identity or intersex status by excluding persons from participation in any competitive sporting activity in which the strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant’’.

After lengthy consideration and consultation, the RDFNL has ruled that the two Transgender participants be excluded from the RDFNL Netball Competitions for the remainder of the 2025 season on the premise that both participants exhibit superior, strength, stamina and physique over their competitors deeming Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act relevant.

The RDFNL will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders on this very sensitive issue and offer any support that we can. The RDFNL Board reserves the right to reconsider these options at a future date should circumstances change.

Finally, the RDFNL Board thank all of our member Clubs for their support on this issue. The Board, who are voted in as elected officials on behalf of the member Clubs, wants to reiterate to all RDFNL Clubs that the RDFNL Board has a responsibility to act in the best interests of all our member Clubs and participants to provide a safe and inclusive environment for them to participate in the sport of their choice.