England Golf carried out an extensive consultation with stakeholders, academics and other relevant organisations, alongside reviewing the available scientific literature.

We are committed to providing opportunities for all who wish to playgolf. At the same time, we must also ensure that fair and levelcompetition is achieved as far as possible, within the context of competitive events.

The Board of England Golf recognises that there are limitations to theinformation available to it. For example, it is acknowledged thatscientific evidence regarding transgender and gender diverse participation in sport is incomplete and continually developing, in particular relating to performance advantage at elite level, and there is currently insufficient evidence to unequivocally inform policy development.

England Golf is committed to keeping this policy, and its impact, under review and will continue to take account of the developing evidence around the issue of transgender and gender diverse participation in sport and any impact upon the issue of fairness in competition

England Golf’s Gender & Fairness in Competition Policy will come into effect for all England Golf Championship events immediately and for the start of the 2025 season.

Following a scientific review of literature, it was determined that the evidence sufficiently indicated that golf is a gender-affected sport, in line with the definition within the Equality Act (2010) regarding
‘gender-affected activities’.

Guidance from The R&A states that the WHS™ enables players of different abilities to compete in a fair way, therefore the eligibility criteria for handicap competitions and scratch competitions are
different.

We are committed to monitoring and reviewing this policy annually or more frequently as appropriate.

Following a scientific review of literature, it was determined that the evidence sufficiently indicated that golf is a gender-affected sport, in line with the definition within the Equality Act (2010) regarding gender-affected activities’.

We are committed to providing opportunities for all who wish to play golf. At the same time, we must also ensure that fair and level competition is achieved as far as possible, within the context of
competitive events. Therefore, the policy differs between male and female scratch competitions.

We shall monitor and review this annually or more frequently as appropriate.

England Golf have taken great care to ensure that the policy complies with appropriate legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and Gender Recognition Act 2004.

England Golf has worked with legal professionals, together with a wide variety of other individuals, in formulating their Gender and Fairness in Competition policy to ensure that it is appropriate,
reasonable, lawful and balanced as far as possible.

England Golf has taken account of available guidance from other Sports organisations and National Governing Bodies and also from within the world of Golf, paying attention to policies and approaches by The R&A, The LPGA and the Home Nations (Wales, Ireland, Scotland) National Governing Bodies for Golf.

England Golf has also considered available guidance and resources from a variety of wider sources, including from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the UK Parliament Post Note 683 from
October 2022 on Performance, Inclusion and Elite Sports – Transgender Review and UK Sports Council guidance

Yes – England Golf will continue to monitor developments in the medical and policy landscape, together with keeping it under review to ensure that it remains legally appropriate. We are committed to reviewing the policy annually or more frequently as appropriate.

No, DSD was not part of this review. Where there is a question or concern regarding DSD, please contact governance@englandgolf.org for advice and guidance.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the review process for this policy, please contact governance@englandgolf.org.

No – currently the policy applies to all ages. The WHS™ enables golfers of all ages to obtain a valid Handicap Index® and thus, participate in competitive golf.

England Golf recognises that this is a sensitive topic, and the importance of the welfare and dignity of all competitors is our primary concern. To limit the chances of unfounded or spurious allegations, all concerns must be raised after or before the event has taken place, but concerns should not be raised with the individual concerned during a competition itself. Do not approach the competitor. Any investigation for an England Golf event will be carried out by the internal governance team post-event.

In response to the Sports Councils’ Equality Group 2021 guidance, England Golf have reviewed the concept of ‘meaningful competition’.

Therefore, the following definitions of competitive and non-competitive golf have been devised:

Competitive golf can be broken down as follows:
• Handicap Competitions - competitions to which the Rules of
Golf, Rules of Handicapping and Rules of Amateur Status apply.
In handicap competitions, a player's handicap is used to
calculate the net score.

• Scratch Competitions - competitions to which the Rules of Golf
apply. The Rules of Handicapping may also apply in that the
competition may count towards a player’s handicap
calculation, but a player’s handicap is not used to calculate the
player’s score. The score is the player's gross score and is
judged against the Course Rating™ (or ‘par’) of the course being
played.

• Professional Golf - competitions played by golf professionals
within the meaning of the Rules of Amateur Status. Clubs and
counties do not organise competitions for professional golfers.

Non-competitive golf can be defined as:

• People participate in non-competitive golf for all sorts of
reasons, including exercise, social reasons, for the benefits of
being outside, and seeking to improve their game, to name but
a few. Participants in non-competitive golf may choose to apply
rules to their game if they wish, but the Rules of Golf do not
apply to non-competitive golf, and it is not the place of a
governing body to seek to impose competitive fairness on non-
competitive golf.

England Golf does not create a policy regarding the use of changing facilities. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach with regards to this particular issue, and so it is important that Club’s reach their own
decisions, taking into account their own particular set of circumstances.

It is recommended that affiliated golf clubs review the guidance offered by the EHRC [Separate and single-sex service providers: a guide on the Equality Act sex and gender reassignment exceptions] and if in doubt, or if there are any particular concerns, Clubs are advised to seek independent legal advice.

Where competitions are qualifying stages for England Golf events, England Golf expects clubs and counties to adhere to England Golf’s Terms of Competition and to apply England Golf's Fairness in Competition Policy.

Affiliated clubs and counties are not obliged to adopt the England Golf policy for their own competitions and are encouraged to consider the right approach that works for them, ideally having regard to the scientific and medical information available, the importance of complying appropriately with all relevant legal requirements (such as the Equality Act 2010), and the reputation and perception of golf as a safe, inclusive and welcoming sport.

You can read the full policy here but in summary:

Eligibility criteria for handicap competitions is:

• For male competitions, competitors are required to hold a
WHS™ handicap which identifies that they are a male golfer.
• For female competitions, competitors are required to hold a
WHS™ handicap which identifies that they are a female golfer.
• For mixed competitions, competitors may compete in the
gender in which they hold their WHS™ handicap.

Eligibility criteria for scratch competitions is:

• For male competitions, players may compete in a competition if any one of the following circumstances apply:
o their sex assigned at birth is male
o they identify as a transgender man
o they identify as non-binary

For female competitions, players may compete in a competition if any one of the following circumstances apply:

o their sex assigned at birth was female, and they have not undergone or commenced any process to transition to a transgender man
o they identify as non-binary, but their sex assigned at birth was female and they have not undergone or commenced any process to transition to a transgender man

• For mixed competitions:
o a player may only compete as a female golfer if any one of the following circumstances apply:
▪ their sex assigned at birth was female, and they have not undergone or commenced any process to transition to a transgender man
▪ they identify as non-binary, but their sex assigned at birth was female and they have not undergone or commenced any process to transition to a transgender man
o a player may compete as a male golfer if any one of the following circumstances apply:
▪ their sex assigned at birth was male
▪ they identify as transgender man
▪ they identify as non-binary

Eligibility criteria for combined competitions is:

Where there is a competition that allows individuals to play for both prizes (scratch and handicap), the eligibility requirements for players to win in either section of that competition will continue to apply. For example, a transgender women would be permitted to play in a combined competition but would only be eligible to compete for the handicap competition prize, and not for the scratch prize

From the point of implementation, only golfers who were assigned female at birth and who have not undergone or commenced any process to transition to a transgender man, will be eligible to participate in England Golf Championship female scratch events.

England Golf passionately believes that golf belongs to everyone. All who play, and all who aspire to play, should have an equal opportunity to do so. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles which are at the heart of what we do and principles we strive to achieve, promote and uphold throughout the game of golf.

If someone has a concern regarding a participant’s eligibility to compete in a particular category of an England Golf Championshi event, they should raise these concerns with a member of England Golf staff present at the event, who will refer the query to the England Golf Governance Team after the event.

Volunteers and participants should ensure that any communication regarding eligibility is not shared wider than with England Golf staff, and due to the sensitive nature of these matters, the individual who raised the concern will not be informed of any conclusion reached.

England Golf’s Talent Pathway is in place to identify and support the development of golfers who will progress into the England Golf Squad and compete in scratch events internationally. Therefore, all golfers within the talent pathway must adhere to the England Golf Gender & Fairness in Competition Policy’s eligibility criteria for scratch competitions.

In line with the Sports Councils’ Equality Group 2021 guidance, the England Golf Gender & Fairness in Competition Policy refers to ‘meaningful competition’.

However, England Golf remains committed to ensuring that golf belongs to everyone. All who play, and all who aspire to play, should have an equal opportunity to do so. Therefore, as it is not the place of a governing body to seek to impose competitive fairness on non-competitive golf, there are no eligibility criteria imposed.

Yes – England Golf remains committed to ensuring that these non-competitive activities provide a supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment to play golf in.

In any case where an accusation of discrimination is made, the club should refer to their ED&I policy and commence the club's disciplinary process to ensure that it is dealt with effectively and fairly.

Golf clubs might consider other/additional options if they are concerned that there is a wider issue of a discriminatory culture within the Club, such as displaying posters confirming that discrimination is not tolerated in the Club, or communication to the Club membership that discrimination will not be tolerated.

England Golf continues to work hard to ensure that its programmes and initiatives are welcoming and inclusive for all. Therefore, we will continue to listen to our gender diverse community to ensure that there are opportunities for all to play golf.

The golf club can request a gender change by selecting the option on the member’s record. This will instigate a process within England Golf’s Handicapping Support Team.

The member should be informed that their previous scoring record will be deleted and they will have to commence a new record.

Clubs will need to follow their own processes as set down in their policies. This will differ from club to club, but relevant policies might include:
• The Club’s disciplinary policy
• The Club’s ED&I policy
• The Club’s Gender and Fairness in Competition Policy (or alternative, if this has a different name).

Clubs should ensure that they consider important issues such as an individual’s confidentiality, dignity and a right to a private life.

In addition, Club’s should be aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and the requirement not to unlawfully discriminate against an individual because of a protected characteristic. An unreasonable or unnecessary challenge to an individual concerning their gender or gender identity has the potential to constitute discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

A genuinely held concern, held in good faith, that an individual is intentionally and dishonestly not complying with Club policies, may constitute reasonable grounds to investigate concerns. Concerns should always be investigated in a reasonable, confidential and lawful manner. If in doubt, independent legal advice may be sought.

Clubs will need to follow their own processes as set down in their policies. This will differ from club to club, but relevant policies might include:
• The Club’s disciplinary policy
• The Club’s ED&I policy
• The Club’s Gender and Fairness in Competition Policy (or alternative, if this has a different name).

Clubs should ensure that they consider important issues such as an individual’s confidentiality, dignity and a right to a private life.

In addition, Club’s should be aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and the requirement not to unlawfully discriminate against an individual because of a protected characteristic. An unreasonable or unnecessary challenge to an individual concerning their gender or gender identity has the potential to constitute discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

A genuinely held concern, held in good faith, that an individual is intentionally and dishonestly not complying with Club policies, may constitute reasonable grounds to investigate concerns. Concerns should always be investigated in a reasonable, confidential and lawful manner. If in doubt, independent legal advice may be sought.

The England Golf Gender & Fairness in Competition Policy refers to ‘meaningful competition’. England Golf remains committed to ensuring that non-competitive activities provide a supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment to play golf in.

Therefore, under England Golf’s policy, as it is not the place of a governing body to seek to impose competitive fairness on non- competitive golf, there are no eligibility criteria imposed for coaching sessions.

The England Golf Gender & Fairness in Competition Policy refers to ‘meaningful competition’. England Golf remains committed to ensuring that non-competitive activities provide a supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment to play golf in.

Therefore, under England Golf’s policy, as it is not the place of a governing body to seek to impose competitive fairness on non- competitive golf, there are no eligibility criteria imposed for coaching sessions.

Clubs will need to follow their own processes as set down in their policies. This will differ from club to club, but relevant policies might include:
• The Club’s disciplinary policy
• The Club’s ED&I policy
• The Club’s Gender and Fairness in Competition Policy (or alternative, if this has a different name).

Clubs should ensure that they consider important issues such as an individual’s confidentiality, dignity and a right to a private life.

In addition, Club’s should be aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and the requirement not to unlawfully discriminate against an individual because of a protected characteristic. An unreasonable or unnecessary challenge to an individual concerning their gender or gender identity has the potential to constitute discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

A genuinely held concern, held in good faith, that an individual is intentionally and dishonestly not complying with Club policies, may constitute reasonable grounds to investigate concerns. Concerns should always be investigated in a reasonable, confidential and lawful manner. If in doubt, independent legal advice should be sought.

In any case where an accusation of discrimination is made, the club should refer to their ED&I policy and commence the club's disciplinary process to ensure that it is dealt with effectively and fairly.

Golf clubs might consider other/additional options if they are concerned that there is a wider issue of a discriminatory culture within the Club, such as displaying posters confirming that discrimination is not tolerated in the Club, or communication to the Club membership that discrimination will not be tolerated.

Using respectful language is important, however, if you are unsure as to how someone would like to be addressed, then it is okay to ask them.

If mistakes are made, we just need to apologise, correct ourselves and ensure that we use the preferred terms in the future.

Whilst speaking to a group of people, we would encourage the use of ‘gender-neutral’ language, such as ‘team’ and avoid using collective gendered language such as, ‘guys’ or ‘ladies’. Gendered language can make lots of people feel uneasy and excluded – not just transgender and non-binary people.

The WHS™ only offers two options for the purposes of creating a handicap index, male or female. Therefore, a non-binary golfer will need to select one of their choices, if they wish to create a Handicap Index®.

Yes you can.

Under the Equality Act 2010 it is generally permissible to ask someone about their gender identity, especially in contexts where it is relevant to ensuring non-discrimination and providing appropriate services.

However, it's important to approach this sensitively and respectfully, ensuring that the person feels comfortable and understands the reason for the question.

Golf Clubs should ensure they are not intrusive or discriminatory. It's also crucial to maintain confidentiality and use the information solely for the intended purpose of promoting equality and inclusion.

Yes – the Terms of Competition should link directly to the club’s Gender Policy. Similarly, the club should ensure all members are aware of the new policy and have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new eligibility criteria

England Golf are committed to providing opportunities for all who wish to play golf. At the same time, we must also ensure that fair and level competition is achieved as far as possible, within the context of competitive events.

We would suggest that the golf club consider a relevant selection process dependent on the type of competition the team would be participating in. For example, a scratch event might have selection criteria based on sex at birth, but a handicap competition might be based on a player’s Handicap Index®.

Golf clubs should liaise with the competition organiser so that they can implement a selection policy consistent with their rules.

If you wish to transition the gender attached to your handicap record, you will need to speak to the person at your golf club responsible for handicapping and request that they submit a gender change request.

If you are an iGolfer or an iPlay user, please email igolf@englandgolf.org or iplay@englandgolf.org respectively and request a gender change on your record.

England Golf are following the guidance issued by The R&A for handicapping authorities, which recommends that a player’s Handicap Index® is reallocated as though they were a new golfer of their reassigned sex, removing the previously held Handicap Index® and scoring record. This is the best option to ensure that a player’s Handicap Index® is an accurate reflection of their demonstrated ability and to achieve fairness within competitive golf.

Where competitions are qualifying stages for England Golf events, England Golf expects clubs and counties to adhere to England Golf’s Terms of Competition and to apply England Golf's Fairness in Competition Policy.

However, affiliated clubs and counties are not obliged to adopt the England Golf policy for their own competitions and are encouraged to consider the right approach that works for them, ideally having regard to the scientific and medical information available, the importance of complying appropriately with all relevant legal requirements (such as the Equality Act 2010) and the reputation and perception of golf as a safe, inclusive and welcoming sport. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek specific guidance from your club or county

England Golf recommends that you speak to the Club Welfare Officerand the club management to raise the situation. This is an evolving area and therefore understanding will be needed from all parties to ensure that changes can be implemented positively and sensitively, ensuring confidentiality.