Parents of female school athletes in Calgary are required to confirm their child’s sex as stated on their birth registration document to join female sports teams this year, in compliance with Alberta’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act. The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District are implementing this regulation, effective since September 1, to prevent transgender athletes from participating in female sports divisions.
In correspondence to parents of female student athletes aged 12 to 18, the CBE emphasized the necessity for parents or guardians to verify their child’s eligibility before joining female-only teams. Similar requests are being made to parents across the province.
Parents must acknowledge their understanding of the eligibility criteria and confirm their child’s sex as registered on their birth records. Failure to provide this confirmation would render the student ineligible for participation.
The CBE stated in an email to CBC News that their primary objective is to ensure compliance with the law while supporting the well-being and inclusion of all students in school sports. The CCSD echoed a similar sentiment, prioritizing student and family support while implementing government directives.
The new rules have sparked a contentious debate regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in female sports. Advocates of the bans argue that transgender athletes may have an unfair advantage, whereas opponents stress the importance of inclusion in affirming gender identity and promoting mental health.
Reactions from parents vary strongly regarding the rules. John Hilton-O’Brien, from Parents for Choice in Education, supports the policy as a means to restore trust in public education. Conversely, Laura Leyshon of Stay in the Game Youth Sports views the forms as discriminatory, adding barriers for women in sports.
Wolly Barabash, a parent with a son in Grade 12, supports the rules due to concerns about competitive advantages for transgender athletes. In contrast, Emily Hawryluk, a Calgary mom, feels conflicted about signing the form for her 13-year-old, expressing concerns about inclusivity for her transgender family members and friends.
The provincial government maintains that the rules aim to uphold fairness and safety in sports. Vanessa Gomez, press secretary for Alberta’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring sports are safe, fair, and accessible for all Albertans.
