There may be other reasons... if they don't appear on the track, regulations | qualifications | athletics

In late March 2023, the World Athletics Federation Council passed the Women's Qualification Regulations. This is not the first time the World Athletics Federation has issued this regulation, but a new version of the regulation. Despite different voices, the regulation will officially come into effect on March 31st.

Complex topics

The Women's Qualification Regulations of the World Athletics Federation mainly rely on the testosterone levels in the serum of athletes with sexual development differences as the main basis for eligibility to participate in women's competitions. The new version has roughly three changes. The first is that the discrimination criteria are more stringent, that is, "the testosterone level in its serum and the duration of inhibition need to be below 2.5nmol/L for at least 24 months and continue to maintain this level." The second is that there are more events, expanding from the original 400 meter to 1 mile race to all track and field events, including field events. The third is the change in event coverage, including "world ranking competitions" and "non world ranking competitions recognized for creating world record results" in all track and field competitions.

The Women's Qualification Regulations of the World Athletics Federation also have some controversy internationally, as the testosterone levels in the serum of female athletes involve biological, humanistic, ethical, emotional, fair, and rights aspects. It is not easy to clarify, but even more difficult to implement. Slight carelessness can easily lead to stigmatization or improper discrimination. The regulations also emphasize that it is unacceptable to persecute or suppress athletes solely because their appearance does not conform to gender stereotypes.

Different from stimulants

Athletics is generally a physical fitness event, which is largely related to the athlete's muscle strength and endurance. From a gender perspective, males generally have higher levels of testosterone and an advantage in muscle strength and endurance. Coincidentally, starting from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, athletes were subjected to gender and doping tests. However, just as no two snowflakes are the same, the testosterone levels in athletes' serum are somewhat influenced by congenital inheritance. There are some special women who have high levels of testosterone. However, testosterone levels in serum are not equivalent to stimulants. Only using prohibited substances to increase testosterone levels can lead to doping violations. The Women's Group Qualification Regulations also state that nothing in this regulation is intended to damage or affect the World Anti Doping Regulations, the international standards of the World Anti Doping Agency, in any way.

The Chinese Athletics Association is a member of the World Athletics Federation and fulfills its resolutions in accordance with its constitution. A senior Chinese track and field coach believes that low-key adherence to the decisions of the World Athletics Federation is a deliberate effort to protect the reputation and privacy of athletes with sexual developmental differences, and to avoid making high-profile accusations. The differences in physical development among these athletes are not their fault, as they bear heavy pressure and mental burden in their daily lives. Only by complying with the regulations can they participate in the competition, which has basically solved the problems in the competition. There is no need to squeeze and stifle their difficult living space.

From a fair perspective

The Women's Qualification Regulations of the World Association of Athletics Federations mainly take a fair perspective and release a new version of the relevant regulations on the official website based on serum testosterone levels. This is a preventive measure in advance to avoid further disputes afterwards. Of course, this regulation itself is not without different voices. The original intention of the World Athletics Federation was to set conditions for participating in women's competitions within the necessary scope, in order to achieve fair competition among participating athletes. At the same time, it is also not allowed to wear colored glasses to see special populations with excessive indicators. Due to caution and other reasons, the Women's Qualification Regulations passed by the World Association of Athletics Federations Council stipulate that all cases related to the Sexual Development Differences Regulations will be handled by the World Association of Athletics Federations Department of Health and Science.

World Athletics Federation President Sebastian Ko said in a press release, "It is always difficult to make decisions when the needs and rights of different groups conflict, but we still believe that we must maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations."

Author Introduction:

Chen Guoqiang is an associate professor at Shanghai Sport University and a member of the News Committee of the China Athletics Association.