We need to manage complexity appropriately in modern society. Sports is no exception.
In many states across the country, athletes are allowed to compete as transgender athletes. It means that those born as males can compete with females and those born as females can compete with males. Since 2003, the International Olympic Committee has allowed trans athletes to compete in affiliated sports.
However, is it fair for trans athletes to compete as women in women’s sports?
In Connecticut last year, 17-year-old Andraya Yearwood, a junior at Cromwell High school and transgender athlete, finished second in the 55-meter dash at the state open indoor track championships. Andraya also topped the 100-meter state outdoor championships. Terry Miller, also transgender, is Andraya’s teammate.
Critics argue that they had an unfair advantage. Transgender athletes think differently.
What about comparative muscle mass? Men naturally have a higher percentage of lean muscle mass. Studies have shown that men have more skeletal muscle than women–an average of 72.6 pounds of muscle for men vis-a-vis 46.2 pounds for women.
And what about the situation when it comes to securing college scholarships? Might a transgender athlete receive an award over an athlete born as female? It’s a problematic question any time an issue involves rewards–be it winning in competition or gaining access to limited resources.
While many people I know support progress, they also value fairness. That’s why sporting organizations (e.g., the NCAA) and sports-sponsoring institutions (e.g., high schools, colleges) need to develop, communicate, and uphold policies that treat all athletes fairly and responsibly.
Otherwise, decisions made by some athletes–which they certainly have to make right–will affect other athletes unfairly. It’s another example of the need to manage complexity appropriately in modern society. And sports is no exception.
