Find out what’s new in the 2019 CrossFit Rulebook.
1. CrossFit Will Allow Transgender Athletes to Compete in 2019 Season
2019 signals big changes for the CrossFit season, and one of the most forward thinking is the full inclusion of transgender athletes.
CrossFit has always been an inclusive sport, founded on principles of fairness and equality between sexes.
“In the 2019 CrossFit competitive season, starting with the Open, transgender athletes are welcome to participate in the division with which they identify,” said Greg Glassman. “This is the right thing to do. CrossFit believes in the potential, capacity, and dignity of every athlete. We are proud of our LGBT community, including our transgender athletes, and we want you here with us.”
In 2018, Russ Berger was fired from the company for his intolerant views against the LGBTQ community.
Russell Berger is Fired from CrossFit HQ For Saying LGBTQ Pride is a Sin
Greg Glassman has been outspoken about his support for making CrossFit accessible to all.
The following text is from the Official 2019 CrossFit Games Rulebook.
CrossFit Rulebook: The Official Rules
CrossFit is committed to ensuring that all CrossFit athletes have equal access and opportunities to participate in CrossFit events in a manner that is fair to all competitors while preserving the integrity of the sport. Transgender athletes are welcome to participate in the CrossFit Games in accordance with the requirements set forth below.
6.02 – PARTICIPATION IN THE OPEN
All athletes may select their gender. Athletes who register in a gender category other than the gender assigned to them at birth, or different than
the gender by which they have identified on CrossFit’s website, are representing to CrossFit that:
- Their gender in their everyday life matches their registration gender.
- They have obtained civil documents with their registration gender identified. (e.g., state ID or driver’s license).
Athletes who cannot meet the criteria above may provide medical or other evidence satisfactory to CrossFit establishing that they self-identify
as the gender stated in their registration.
6.03 – PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS OTHER THAN THE OPEN (E.G., THE ONLINE QUALIFIER AND THE GAMES)
Transgender males: Athletes who transition from female to male must satisfy the requirements set forth in section 6.02 above.
Transgender females: Athletes who transition from male to female must satisfy the requirements set forth in section 6.02 above and meet the following requirements (full rules)
Copyright © 2019 CrossFit Inc. All Rights Reserved. CrossFit is a registered trademark ® of CrossFit Inc [ 22 ] COMPETITION RULEBOOK
Image Sources
- 2019-CrossFit-Games-Updates: Photo courtesy of CrossFit Inc