Document Number:
ATHL-0003
Policy Owner:
Athletics
Revision #:
v.3
Status:
Approved

General Description

Policy Summary:

This policy explains transgender participation guidelines for NCAA Division III Athletics at Trinity University. 

Trinity Athletics Transgender Participation Policy is governed by the NCAA Participation Policy for Transgender Student-Athletes ("NCAA Policy").

Purpose:

In response to an Executive Order ("EO") signed by the President of the United States on February 5, 2025 ("Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports"), the NCAA has revised its NCAA Policy to align with the directive outlined in the EO. More specifically, it adopts the definitions announced in Executive Order 14168, which defines "sex" as an individual's "immutable biological classification."

The EO sets federal policy regarding transgender female athletes (i.e., those assigned male at birth) in educational institutions and sports. This policy aims to ensure that Trinity University's NCAA competitive sports comply with the updated NCAA policy.

Scope:

This policy applies to Trinity University students involved in or interested in NCAA athletics.
 

Responsible Department:

  • Athletics

Policy Content

Regardless of sex assigned at birth or gender identity, a student-athlete may participate (practice and compete) with a men’s team, assuming they meet all other NCAA eligibility requirements.
    • Medical Exception Process. Please note that student-athletes taking a banned substance (e.g., testosterone) must complete the medical exception process.
  1. Student-athlete assigned male at birth.
i. Competition. A student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete on a women’s team.
 
ii. Practice. A student-athlete assigned male at birth may practice on the team consistent with their gender identity and receive all other benefits applicable to student-athletes who are otherwise eligible for practice.

​​​​​​​b. Student-athlete assigned female at birth.

i. ​​​​Competition. A student-athlete assigned female at birth who has begun hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone) may not compete on a women’s team. If such competition occurs, the team is subject to NCAA mixed-team legislation, and the team will no longer be eligible for NCAA women’s championships.

ii.​​​​Practice. A student-athlete assigned female at birth who has begun hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone) may continue practicing with a women’s team and receive all other benefits applicable to student-athletes who are otherwise eligible for practice.
 

 

Performance Evaluation

Consequences of Policy Violation:

Failure to follow this policy may lead to disciplinary action according to University regulations.

Terms & Definitions

Terms and Definitions:

Term:

Definition:
NCAA Men’s Team A varsity intercollegiate sports team that meets the qualifications to be considered for NCAA men’s championships.
 
NCAA Women’s Team A varsity intercollegiate sports team that meets the qualifications to be considered for NCAA women’s championships.
Mixed Team A varsity intercollegiate team on which at least one individual of each sex assigned at birth competes. Per NCAA legislation, mixed teams are only eligible for NCAA men’s championships.
 
Sex Assigned at Birth The male or female designation doctors assign to infants at birth, which is marked on their birth records.
 
Gender Identity An individual’s own internal sense of their gender (e.g., man, woman, nonbinary).
Transgender An individual whose gender identity or gender expression is different from their sex assigned at birth.
 

Related Documents

Revision Management

Revision History Log:

Revision #:

Date:

Recorded By:
v.3 2/17/2025 10:33 AM Pamela Mota
v2.0 5/13/2022 12:43 PM Eric Maloof
v1.0 2/16/2022 12:54 PM Holly Warfel

 

Vice President Approval:

Name:

Title:
Eric Maloof Vice President for Enrollment Management