The World Netball Federation has become the latest international sports body to announce it is reviewing its rules on transgender involvement in women's sport, after swimming's ruling on the issue.
"Our medical committee are currently in the process of reviewing our transgender policy," a federation spokesperson said.
Netball is predominantly played by women and is aiming for inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Swimming world governing body FINA has voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competitions and create a working group to establish an "open" category for them in some events as part of its new policy.
That policy also covers FINA events in diving, water polo, artistic swimming, high diving and open water swimming.
Football governing body FIFA and World Athletics are reviewing their transgender eligibility policies. Rugby league has banned transgender players from women's international competition until further notice, while the International Cycling Union (UCI) has tightened its eligibility rules.
The decisions have been criticised by trans rights groups.
The FINA verdict was described by US-based campaign group Athlete Ally as "deeply discriminatory, harmful, unscientific" and out of line with the stance of the International Olympic Committee.
In November, the IOC said no athlete should be excluded from competition on the grounds of a perceived unfair advantage, while leaving it up to sports federations to decide.
"It's disappointing," said transgender woman Caroline Layt, who played elite women's rugby league in Australia, after transitioning. "We're human beings, the same as everyone else.
"It just tells trans kids and trans adults that you're not worthy. Don't even bother, don't even bother showing up... what's the point?"
But World Athletics president Sebastian Coe says that sport has to face up to a clear choice.
"When push comes to shove, if it's a judgement between inclusion and fairness, we will always fall down on the side of fairness," he said. "That, for me, is non-negotiable.
"We can't have a generation of young girls thinking there is not a future for them in the sport, so we have a responsibility... maintaining the primacy and the integrity of female competition is absolutely vital."
Reuters
