The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) Board made a decision in a near-unanimous vote Monday to implement a new policy that restricts high school sports participation to the sex listed on a student’s “unaltered original birth certificate.” This reverses a 2014 policy that allowed transgender students to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity. Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony commended the NIAA for their decision, stating that it protects opportunities for female athletes and ensures a level playing field. Anthony emphasized the importance of girls’ sports, noting that they provide confidence, leadership, and lifelong opportunities for young women.
The Task Force to Protect Women’s Sports, established in 2024 by Anthony, supports policies that benefit female athletes. Marshi Smith, the Task Force Chair, praised the NIAA’s decision for aligning with federal law and ensuring fair competition for girls in Nevada. The Task Force includes notable members such as NCAA champion swimmer Marshi Smith and University of Nevada, Reno volleyball player Sia Liilii, along with several state and local officials.
The NIAA and its member school districts do not track data on transgender student athletes participating in sanctioned sports. As of December, NCAA President Charlie Baker reported that there were 10 transgender athletes competing in college sports nationwide. The decision made by the NIAA is seen as a win for girls across Nevada and a step towards fairness in high school sports.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
