In response to the United States Administration’s issuance of Executive Order 14201, which the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has determined applies to all National Governing Bodies (NGBs), USA Rugby is required to comply and update the terms that identify eligibility for gender categories.
Failure to do so could result in sanctions from the USOPC, including the potential loss of NGB status. Accordingly, the updated policy will apply to all USA Rugby-sanctioned competitions.
While USA Rugby meets the requirements set forth by the Administration and the USOPC, we recognize this change has a meaningful impact on members of our community and may conflict with values of our game. We understand that some athletes, teams, and clubs will be directly affected. Prior to adopting this policy, USA Rugby made every effort to explore all available options, so this was not actioned without thorough consideration. The final policy has been reviewed and approved by the USOPC and determined to be aligned with the Executive Order.
In accordance with the policy update, USA Rugby will now have three competition categories; Men’s Division, Women’s Division and Open Division. The Open Division will permit any athlete, regardless of gender assigned at birth and gender identity, to compete in USA Rugby-sanctioned events, whether full contact or non-contact. Open Division events will be granted following a review process and approved on a per-tournament basis.
We take great care in serving and supporting our members. To those athletes impacted by the policy change, we understand the physical and mental stress this may cause. Going forward, we hope to continue strengthening the values of an inclusive USA Rugby community.
The USOPC requires USA Rugby to adopt the following regulation from the NGB Athlete Safety Policy:
"[National Governing Bodies] are committed to protecting opportunities for athletes participating in sport. [National Governing Bodies] will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities, e.g., [International Olympic Committee], [International Paralympic Committee], international federations, to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. § 22501, et. Seq.”
