Netball Victoria has engaged an independent expert to review possible on-court safety risks after a club in Melbourne’s outer north said it was worried about the size and strength of transgender players.
One of the state’s leading sporting organisations is investigating whether transgender players pose a safety risk to female players.
Netball Victoria has launched the review after a series of complaints and as a club threatened to boycott matches against a team with transgender players amid concerns for their safety.
Netball Victoria has engaged an independent expert to review possible on-court safety risks after the club in Melbourne’s outer north said they were worried about the size and strength of the transgender players.
Fuming community netballers in the Riddell District Football Netball League, in Melbourne’s outer north, told the Saturday Herald Sun they “do not feel safe playing on biological males”.
The Melton South players are threatening to boycott their next game with Melton Central, which has come under fire for signing on two transgender players, including former elite men’s player, Manawa Aranui.
In April, the Ballarat Football Netball League was forced to seek legal advice after deeming Ms Aranui ineligible for selection in their all-female competition.
The Ballarat league told the Saturday Herald Sun it was “deeply committed to inclusivity” but they also had “obligations to ensure the health and safety of all players” participating in the competition.
“The League sought expert legal advice which confirmed that Under Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act it is lawful to exclude a person from participation in any competitive sporting activity in which strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant,” a Ballarat league spokesman said.
Netball Victoria said it was working with Riddell District Football Netball League to find a “suitable resolution to the concerns raised about safety”.
“This includes appointing an independent expert to review the matter,” a spokesman said.
“Through our policy and actions we continue to support and welcome netballers of all backgrounds, including gender diverse players who have rights under anti-discrimination laws that netball, like other community sports, must follow.”
Lawyers have been engaged by multiple leagues after the peak netball authority warned they could be in breach of Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws if they blocked transgender players, who were born male but identify as women, from competing in women’s teams.
Melton South netball co-ordinator Melissa Dawson, whose Riddell League team versed the players earlier this year, said she would back her players who are “frightened to take to the court” if they decided to boycott.
“One of the (transgender) players is six foot something – its ridiculous,” she said, noting she had a duty of care.
“Netball Victoria needs to put the safety of biological females first.”
B Grade Melton South netballer Erin said she was hesitant to go up for contests and feared being injured during the game.
“I went up for the ball and just got pushed and just dropped to the ground,” she said.
“I get that they’re just doing their job as a defender but they’ve got so much more power, they’re so much stronger.
She stressed that she had no personal issue with the players, but said she was angered by women feeling disenfranchised with the sport they love.
“These players played high level men’s netball, and now they’re playing against us,” she said.
“If we play them again and they’re in the team, I won’t be playing.
“I do not feel safe playing on biological males, and I want to make a point.”
Another player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said she hoped a boycott would go beyond just her club to send a message to Netball Victoria.
“This deters women from wanting to play and we need women to play sport,” she said.
“Everyone has fought so hard to encourage young women to stay in the game.”
Melton Central President Paul Sinclair said both players would compete on Saturday while the club “awaits direction from Netball Victoria”.
The Riddell league said it would continue to work with Netball Victoria to resolve the matter.
A Victorian government spokesman declined to comment directly.
But noted that sporting organisations must abide by state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Source: Herald Sun
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