New rule on transgender athletes approved in Union County schools

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A rule requiring all high school athletes to compete exclusively on teams that are “consistent with the gender on the student’s birth certificate” was approved by the Union County Board of Education on Tuesday with a unanimous vote.

IN DETAIL: The full Union County Public School Extracurricular Activities and Interscholastic Athletics policy manual

The new rule, which is the most recent effort to legislate transgender athletes, would authorize transgender athletes to compete on teams that reflect their gender identity if NCHSAA rules and regulations permit it.

Students may play sports in accordance with their gender identity, according to the NCHSAA’s transgender policy. Before a kid can play on a team that matches their gender identification, their school must file Gender Identity Request Forms on their behalf.

Schools could be asked to submit extra paperwork, such as a list of their students’ prescriptions and letters from medical experts. According to the NCHSAA website, a thorough analysis of policies from other states led to the development of North Carolina’s approval procedure.

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