GHSA will require athletes to participate based on the sex on their birth certificate

The Georgia High School Association voted Wednesday morning that all athletes who want to play sports must participate based on the sex on their birth certificate.

The GHSA, which represents 463 high schools, voted unanimously to go back to their 2017 bylaws, which said all high school athletes must compete based on the gender that is on the athlete’s birth certificate.

“We wanted to keep a level playing field,” GHSA executive director Dr. Robin Hines said.

Hines told reporters Wednesday that there was not a particular case that forced the high school sports governing body to make this ruling.

“It really hasn’t been an issue. It’s out of a concern of competitive imbalance, understanding there is biological differences,” Hines said.

Hines said the fact that members voted unanimously, shows the support for the policy but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

“Any bylaw that’s in our constitution and bylaws, is certainly appealable,” Hines said.

The new policy will be put in place immediately and will be part of the 2022-23 school calendar.