Elements of an inclusion policy Sporting organisations should consider incorporating the following elements into their inclusion policies: • a statement that promotes the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people • a statement that participation in sport should be based on a person’s affirmed gender identity and not the sex they were assigned at birth74 to the fullest extent possible • a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all players • if applicable, confirmation that players will not be asked to undergo a medical examination for the purposes of gender verification • confirmation that personal information will only be collected from participants if absolutely necessary, and that any information that is collected will be only be disclosed if necessary and in accordance with the law75 • an inclusion officer as a point of contact and support for transgender and gender diverse players, and a clear outline of other roles and responsibilities in relation to the policy76 • information and guidance about the organisation’s complaints process.77 A complaints process should: »» outline how a player can make a complaint regarding any discrimination or harassment they may experience on the basis of their sex or gender identity »» outline how the sporting organisation will respond to complaints »» be fair, effective and confidential (as far as possible), with an option for anonymous complaints »» be accessible to children and child-focused.78 • recognition that a sporting organisation should be led by the individual player regarding their particular needs, and in relation to any transition or affirmation (in other words, each experience of transition or affirmation is unique and personal) • a statement that the organisation encourages correct pronoun use (for example, by asking players what pronouns they use when they sign up, and using these pronouns consistently across verbal and written communication) • a ‘common questions’ section to answer queries that may be raised (see ‘Common questions’ on page 37 for some examples of information that could be included in this section). These elements can be incorporated into existing policies, such as an organisation’s Member Protection Policy (MPP), or can form the basis of a stand-alone policy. Guidelines for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in sport • 2019 • 35