Calgary parents seeking female school sports participation for their children this year must complete a form verifying their child’s birth registration states female. The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) confirm compliance with Alberta’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, effective since September 1. The act restricts transgender athletes from engaging in amateur female sports categories.
According to the CBE, parents or guardians of female student athletes aged 12 to 18 must validate eligibility before joining female-only teams. Similar requests are being made to parents across the province.
Parents are required to confirm understanding of eligibility criteria and the female sex designation on their child’s birth registration. Failure to confirm this information renders the student ineligible for participation.
The CBE emphasizes the importance of adhering to the law while supporting students’ well-being and inclusion in school sports. The CCSD echoes this sentiment, underscoring their commitment to students and families while implementing government directives.
The regulations have sparked intense debate regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in female sports. Proponents of the bans argue that transgender athletes hold a competitive edge, while opponents stress the significance of inclusion in affirming gender identity and promoting mental well-being.
The introduction of the forms has evoked mixed reactions among parents. Some, like John Hilton-O’Brien from Parents for Choice in Education, endorse the policy for its role in restoring trust in public education. However, others, such as Laura Leyshon from Stay in the Game Youth Sports, view the forms as discriminatory barriers to women’s sports participation.
Wolly Barabash, a parent with a Grade 12 son in a Calgary high school, supports the rules due to concerns about transgender athletes’ competitive advantages. Conversely, Emily Hawryluk, a Calgary mom, expresses hesitation in signing the form for her 13-year-old, citing concerns about its impact on her transgender family members and friends.
The provincial government justifies the rules as essential for fairness and safety in sports. Vanessa Gomez, press secretary for Alberta’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport, emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensuring that sports are safe, fair, and accessible to all Albertans.