Let's Discuss
An Old Debate Enters New Territory
What's going on: For years, few issues have sparked as much debate in women's sports as transgender athlete participation. In many places, that question already has an answer. Almost 30 states now restrict transgender girls from girls' school sports, President Trump has ordered federal agencies to interpret Title IX similarly, and this summer, the Supreme Court let the state bans stand. But those answers raise a new question. If governments and governing bodies decide trans women can't compete, how do they verify who can?
The next chapter: Last month, the Women’s Tennis Association told players they must pass a one-time genetic sex screening before competing. World Athletics introduced a similar measure last summer. This week, The Cut spotlighted a Washington state ballot initiative that critics say could require girls who play school sports to verify their sex through medical documentation. Depending on the league or proposal, could that mean a cheek swab, hormone testing, obtaining medical records — or even a physical exam? Proponents argue that's the logical next step if women's sports are going to be fair. Critics counter that policies aimed at a small number of transgender athletes (which available data suggests are a tiny fraction of competitors) could expand medical scrutiny to every girl who wants to compete, including athletes with naturally occurring genetic or hormonal differences. As more leagues and lawmakers redraw the rules, the next debate may not be over who belongs in women's sports, but how much female athletes will be asked to expose before they can play.
Related: Why the WNBA Is at the Center of the Trans Athlete Debate (CBC)
In Her Court
“I still had that instinct every time money came in.” — Jordan Chiles shares the financial lesson she learned the hard way.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Ted Lasso comes back this week, and it’s focusing on a women’s team. Are you excited about this new season?
I’m very excited about the new Ted Lasso. Last season ended with Ted wrapping up his coaching job with AFC Richmond and moving back to Kansas to be closer to his son. This one opens up with him working as a grocery store’s assistant manager — that is, until Keeley, Leslie, and Rebecca pull up like friends trying to get you out on a school night, and beg him to return and coach AFC Richmond’s new women’s football team. Expect to encounter a new squad of women footballers, many of whom I met at last night’s NYC premiere. My only worry is that the show pulls an Ocean’s 8 and treats the women’s team like a spin-off afterthought. But knowing Jason Sudeikis is an IRL women’s sports fan — who regularly cheers for the New York Liberty and KC Current — I trust this season will hit like the original Ted Lasso magic, and deliver pure joy and optimism.
Related: This NWSL Team Inspired a Plotline in Season 4 of Ted Lasso (ESPN)
PS: Need to sound off about your favorite athlete? Still don’t understand what being offside means? Call Well Played with your thoughts, questions, and concerns, at (828) 412-4825, and you might be featured in next week's episode.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Blake Morgan
We Needed This
Let's Discuss
An Old Debate Enters New Territory
What's going on: For years, few issues have sparked as much debate in women's sports as transgender athlete participation. In many places, that question already has an answer. Almost 30 states now restrict transgender girls from girls' school sports, President Trump has ordered federal agencies to interpret Title IX similarly, and this summer, the Supreme Court let the state bans stand. But those answers raise a new question. If governments and governing bodies decide trans women can't compete, how do they verify who can?
The next chapter: Last month, the Women’s Tennis Association told players they must pass a one-time genetic sex screening before competing. World Athletics introduced a similar measure last summer. This week, The Cut spotlighted a Washington state ballot initiative that critics say could require girls who play school sports to verify their sex through medical documentation. Depending on the league or proposal, could that mean a cheek swab, hormone testing, obtaining medical records — or even a physical exam? Proponents argue that's the logical next step if women's sports are going to be fair. Critics counter that policies aimed at a small number of transgender athletes (which available data suggests are a tiny fraction of competitors) could expand medical scrutiny to every girl who wants to compete, including athletes with naturally occurring genetic or hormonal differences. As more leagues and lawmakers redraw the rules, the next debate may not be over who belongs in women's sports, but how much female athletes will be asked to expose before they can play.
Related: Why the WNBA Is at the Center of the Trans Athlete Debate (CBC)
In Her Court
“I still had that instinct every time money came in.” — Jordan Chiles shares the financial lesson she learned the hard way.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Ted Lasso comes back this week, and it’s focusing on a women’s team. Are you excited about this new season?
I’m very excited about the new Ted Lasso. Last season ended with Ted wrapping up his coaching job with AFC Richmond and moving back to Kansas to be closer to his son. This one opens up with him working as a grocery store’s assistant manager — that is, until Keeley, Leslie, and Rebecca pull up like friends trying to get you out on a school night, and beg him to return and coach AFC Richmond’s new women’s football team. Expect to encounter a new squad of women footballers, many of whom I met at last night’s NYC premiere. My only worry is that the show pulls an Ocean’s 8 and treats the women’s team like a spin-off afterthought. But knowing Jason Sudeikis is an IRL women’s sports fan — who regularly cheers for the New York Liberty and KC Current — I trust this season will hit like the original Ted Lasso magic, and deliver pure joy and optimism.
Related: This NWSL Team Inspired a Plotline in Season 4 of Ted Lasso (ESPN)
PS: Need to sound off about your favorite athlete? Still don’t understand what being offside means? Call Well Played with your thoughts, questions, and concerns, at (828) 412-4825, and you might be featured in next week's episode.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Blake Morgan
We Needed This
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