Some competitions, such as national championships and those affecting England Squash rankings must prioritise fairness because squash is a gender-affected sport. Recreational competitions focus on inclusion and participation, so organisers can take a more flexible approach.

Yes, in recreational competitions. For regulated competitions (such as national championships or England Squash ranking events), transgender women are not eligible for the Female category but are eligible for the Open category.

The Sports Councils’ Equality Group (SCEG) guidance recognises that the impact of safety varies by sport. In contact and combat sports, safety can be a significant factor when considering eligibility rules. However, in non-contact sports like squash, there is no evidence to suggest that transgender women playing in the Female category at recreational level poses a safety risk. Men and women already compete against each other safely in many squash formats, including mixed club leagues and recreational matches. For this reason, England Squash has not restricted the Female category on safety grounds in recreational competitions.

Yes, until they start gender-affirming hormone treatment. After this, they can continue to play in the Open category.

Non-binary players are eligible to compete in the Open category, or in Female category if their birth sex is female. Where possible, England Squash may use ability-based groupings to ensure fair and meaningful competition for all.

This is dependent on the competition rules around gender eligibility which are determined by the organiser. It may not always be appropriate for cis women to participate in the Open category and the organisers should establish their rules on this matter. England Squash does not determine gender eligibility rules for competitions and events that are organised by other bodies.

No. International bodies (such as World Squash or the Professional Squash Association) set their own rules. Players should check with the relevant organiser.

All information about a player’s gender identity is treated as highly confidential and managed under data protection laws.

Players can contact [email protected] for confidential advice and support.

The policy applies to all England Squash competitions which are those owned, run and / or organised by or on behalf of England Squash. Clubs, county associations and leagues organisers can adopt the England Squash policy but will need to determine whether their events fall under regulated or recreational competition.

Consider the purpose of the competition, the female category can be restricted where fairness is a concern in meaningful competition, a term used in the UK Sports Councils Guidance for Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport which refers to competition that is deemed to be above the threshold where the priority shifts from inclusion to fairness. The England Squash policy defines meaningful competition as competition where outcomes directly contribute to England Squash rankings, national and regional titles, selection for the England talent pathway, selection for higher level events and competition, or international representation.
We anticipate that most regional and local competition would fall under the recreational competition category.

We encourage organisers to rename “Men’s” categories to “Open” categories. Transgender players must be provided with a competition category to participate in. Where the female category is restricted renaming the Men’s category to Open ensure that the category name reflects that transgender and non binary players compete in that category.

The policy applies to organised competition. For non-competitive activities, such as club nights, coaching sessions, social play, or open court sessions, the principles of inclusion and respect still apply, there are no eligibility restrictions. Everyone should be able to participate safely and enjoyably, and organisers are encouraged to offer flexible or ability-based groupings where possible.

Open ability based competition can offer greater trans inclusion, but may be detrimental to growing women and girls competitions as women are looking for women only activity where they feel safe and comfortable to compete.

No. While Open categories can be a flexible way to include transgender and non-binary players, England Squash encourages maintaining Female categories where appropriate. Female categories provide opportunities for women and girls to compete in an environment that supports their needs. Open categories should be offered in addition to Female categories, not as a replacement. This approach balances inclusion with the need to provide equitable opportunities for female players.

Clubs, county associations and individuals must never question a participant’s gender identity in any setting. Any concerns about eligibility should be raised confidentially as per your policies and procedures. Players should always be treated with dignity and respect. For support in how to manage this contact [email protected].

All personal information about a player’s gender identity is highly confidential and must be treated in line with data protection law. Clubs and counties must not share this information without consent.

Keep it simple: At community and recreational level, inclusion is prioritised. At regulated level, fairness is prioritised in line with national guidance. Squash is a non-contact sport, so safety is not a concern when developing the policy.

Clubs and county associations can contact [email protected] for guidance on applying the policy or handling sensitive situations.

England Squash does not set changing room policy for transgender participants. Clubs and facilities will be responsible to set their own policies.