Transgender woman deemed 'ineligible to play elite level basketball' in Australia

Lexi Rodgers, a transgender individual who applied to play women's basketball in Australia, has been deemed ineligible.

"An expert panel convened by Basketball Australia (BA) has determined transgender athlete Lexi Rodgers is ineligible to play elite level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South competition this season," Basketball Australia noted in a statement. "BA assesses eligibility of prospective elite level transgender athletes on a 'case-by-case' basis, accounting for and balancing a range of factors, and has implemented this process on behalf of Basketball Victoria in this matter."

Rodgers is hoping to compete in "elite women's basketball" at some point going forward.

"I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia. I participated fully and in good faith with the process and eligibility criteria. Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly believe I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball," Rodgers wrote in an Instagram post. "I hope to one day be playing elite women’s basketball in the future and will continue to work on making the sport I love a place for all."

The issue of whether to allow men who identify as women to compete in women's sports has become a point of controversy around the world.

"As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community," Basketball Australia board of directors member Suzy Batkovic said. "I also want to make it clear because it's important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level."

09 | Lexi Rodgers - Under The Surfacewww.youtube.com

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