POOL SPORTS GOVERNING BODY BANS TRANSGENDER WOMEN FROM THEIR FEMALE COMPETITIONS

Following the recent UK Supreme Court Decision that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, reported on in an earlier Post on this website, UPG (the Ultimate Pool Group), the professional governing body for the sport of 8-ball pool, has amended its eligibility rules with effect from 23 April 2025.

These now provide that participation in UPG women’s events “are open only to biologically born women” and also that transgender women will no longer “be eligible to be selected for international events in the female category.”

These rule changes also come about after protests were made by two biological males at the final of the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event earlier this month, in which two transgender women, namely, Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith, competed.

UPG stated that:

“Recent developments have now made the position clear, and it welcomes the clarity brought by the Supreme Court judgment.”

And added that:

“A report it commissioned had concluded that 8-ball pool was a gender affected sport and that in cue sports female players have unique disadvantages compared to male players and that transgender women retain male advantages.”

However, UPG has also stated that an open category for competitors will continue to be available for all regardless of their sex.

UPG has now become the first UK sports governing body to amend its rules in the light of this historic and important UK Supreme Court Decision.

Other sports governing bodies may be expected to follow with revised eligibility rules now that they have such clear legal guidance to rely on from a top legal source!

For further information, email our International Sports Law Consultant and Head of our UK Desk, Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw, at ‘blackshaw@valloni.ch’.