A transgender athlete’s soccer application has been denied on the grounds that he is too physically imposing to compete against biological females.
The Australian Football Women’s League rejected Hannah Mouncey’s application to register for the 2017 AFLW draft.
In its decision the subcommittee said Mouncey, who is 6’2″ and 220 lbs, would have “an unreasonable advantage” over the smaller biological female players.
“The AFL has made a decision that the physical disparity between Hannah and other AFLW players is significant, in that it would have an effect on the AFLW competition and give rise to an unreasonable advantage,” an AFL statement read.
Mouncey, who was born a boy, started “transitioning” in 2015 and has participated in other Australian Football competitions against bio women.
The subcommittee added: “This decision solely relates to Ms. Mouncey’s nomination for the 2018 AFLW draft and participation in the 2018 AFLW competition. Ms. Mouncey may nominate for future AFLW drafts and for registration in other Australian Football competitions.”
Mouncey failed to qualify for the Australian Men’s Handball team in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Mouncey’s testosterone levels are within the range allowed by the International Olympic Committee — but his level is still significantly higher than a biological female’s testosterone level.
An appeal of the decision is unlikely, according to the Herald Sun.
