USA Hockey to restrict males from competing in girls’ hockey

USA Hockey has approved a new Participant Eligibility Policy restricting participation in girls’ and women’s hockey based on sex rather than so-called gender identity.

USA Hockey quietly approved the new policy in November, replacing guidance adopted in 2019. Under the new rules, USA Hockey bars transgender athletes from competing in any program restricted by sex. The changes take effect at the conclusion of the USA Hockey national championships for each age classification, which happens around early April. 

USA Hockey said most of its programming remains open to all players. 

“The vast majority of USA Hockey’s programs are co-ed and not restricted by sex, and therefore all hockey players are eligible without regard to their sex, gender identity, transgender, non-binary or other status or forms of gender expression,” the policy says. 

However, the organization clarified some programs operate under sex-based rules established by their governing structures. 

“Some hockey programs are restricted by sex, including girls’ hockey programs that are restricted to female athletes in the age classifications 19 and under and below, high school programs that are restricted to either male or female players, and adult hockey teams, leagues or events that are restricted to male or female players,” the policy says. 

“In all programs where participation is restricted by sex, athletes are only permitted to participate in such programs based on their sex assigned at birth, except that a female (as assigned at birth) may not play in programs restricted to females if they have undergone any male hormone therapy,” it adds. 

The rule also applies to USA Hockey national team programs connected to International Ice Hockey Federation events, the Olympic Games and World Para Ice Hockey competitions. 

The change drew criticism from liberal activists who said the policy removes protections for transgender athletes. Former professional women’s hockey player Madison Packer accused the organization of deliberately minimizing transgender identities. 

“USA Hockey recently updated their trans policy to eliminate the word trans, which is probably another attempt to erase yet another part of the trans community,” Packer said in an Instagram video. 

However, it also earned praise from those who don’t think women should have to compete against men in sports. 

“Some good news,” Olympic silver medalist swimmer Sharron Davies posted on X. “One sport at a time. Ten years to get them back, when women lost them overnight!”