The New York State Education Department is proposing a new plan that it says would open up more opportunities for girls to play on boys' teams, and for boys to play on girls' teams. It would also cover issues related to transgender students.
As reported by ABC affiliate WKBW in Buffalo, decisions about whether a young person can play on a team of the opposite gender are currently made at the district level. The NYSED proposal would automatically allow the young person to try out for a team if there isn't one for their gender.
Mark Laurrie, superintendent of Niagara Falls Schools, told WKBW senior reporter Maki Becker that his school is very supportive of its students, including girls and transgender young people, but that a statewide regulation about who gets to try out for teams isn't necessary.
“The way things are working with respect to mixed competition right now is fine. I don't think we need any new sweeping legislation that automatically mandates that change," Laurrie said
“Knowing our kids, knowing most of them from the time they were in elementary school and knowing who is possibly transitioning and who is going through this coming up from elementary school...and we do have elementary students who are transitioning and I do respect that. I just think it's best left to the individual districts to make that decision."
Here's the NYS Education Department proposal, as represented by WKBW:
FOR REVIEW:
Proposed Amendment of Sections 135.1, 135.4, and 135.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Mixed Competition and Extra Class Athletic Activities
Proposed Rule Making Activities for public comment on Mixed Competition and Extra Class Athletic Activities
Proposed Amendment: Mixed Competition regulation will no longer allow a school to determine if a male athlete will have a “significant adverse effect” upon the participation of female student-athletes.
“Where a school does not provide sufficient opportunity for students of different genders to participate on separate teams, schools must permit a student of a different gender to participate in the team selection process. The expectations for personal and social responsibility, health, physical fitness, and sport-specific skill development and knowledge of the game requirements must be the same for students of all genders.”
Students, Parents, and Community Members are encouraged to carefully review the proposed amendments and submit comments before July 21, 2024.
