(6-6-25) The NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) generally leaves the matter of transgender student-athlete participation in high school sports to individual state associations, according to the NFHS. They do not have a national policy, but many state associations have their own rules or refer to local leaders for decisions. Some states have adopted policies that allow transgender athletes to participate on teams aligned with their gender identity, while others have restrictions or bans. 

The NFHS was informed in February – The United States Department of Education is calling on the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to strip the records and awards “misappropriated” by transgender athletes competing in girls and women’s sports.

This past year has shown the growing dissatisfaction across the US with transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and at a ‘high’ level.

Time for the NFHS to step up to the ‘plate’ on this issue.

In the past the NFHS has rules on issues like –

NFHS Joins White House Effort to Encourage COVID Vaccinations We advocate for all who are eligible today to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The wearing of jewelry by players is addressed in a change to Rule 4-1-7, which now states that all jewelry must be removed, except small, secured studs or posts worn above the chin. No jewelry is permitted below the chin, including string bracelets, commemorative bracelets and body jewelry. In addition, taping over jewelry is not permitted. This rules change aligns high school rules with NCAA rules on the wearing of jewelry.

Hair adornments such as beads are now legal in high school volleyball as long as they are securely fastened and do not endanger other players. This rule change, along with eliminating manufacturer reference size and quantity restrictions on uniform bottom waistbands, headline new rules adopted for the 2022-23 season.

In addition to volleyball, participants in the sports of basketball, soccer, field hockey and spirit will be permitted to wear religious headwear without prior approval from their respective state association. In swimming and diving, for religious reasons, competitors will be able to wear suits that provide full body coverage without obtaining prior state association authorization.

An official ruling on the participation of transgender athletes in girls sports is needed NOW. The NFHS who even endorsed COVID shots…needs to do the same with this issue. Turning a blind eye will not make the problem go away anytime soon.

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NOTE: AI assistance used in the research of this posting