Basketball Australia advises that transgender player cannot play in Victoria's NBL1 South competition

Basketball Australia advises that transgender player cannot play in Victoria’s NBL1 South competition

April 18, 2023

Sport /

Basketball Australia has announced today that an expert panel it convened has determined transgender that player Lexi Rodgers is ineligible to play elite level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in Victoria's NBL1 South competition this season.

Advising that it “assesses eligibility of prospective elite level transgender athletes on a ‘case-by-case’ basis, accounting for and balancing a range of factors”, Basketball Australia implemented the process on behalf of Basketball Victoria.

The statement added “as the governing body, we acknowledge we’re still on a path of education and understanding. To aid us in developing our framework, Lexi will provide feedback and advice from her experiences.

“The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank those involved who have maintained integrity and respect throughout the process.”

Led by Basketball Australia's Chief Medical Officer and Commonwealth Games Medical Advisor, Dr Peter Harcourt, the expert panel also included Basketball Australia Board Member and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic and experienced sports physician Associate Professor Diana Robinson from Notre Dame University.

Batkovic went on to say “firstly, on behalf of Basketball Australia I’d like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Lexi for her cooperation, understanding and patience throughout this process - it’s a complex space that continues to evolve.

“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the outcome, I know she’ll continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.

“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community.

“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level.”

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