The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) voted this week to prohibit biological males from competing in female sports.
“I commend the NIAA for taking this important and courageous step,” Lieutenant Governor Anthony said in a statement. “Today’s vote sends a clear message: Nevada values and protects opportunities for female athletes. Girls deserve a level playing field, and this action helps ensure they can compete, grow, and succeed without having to compromise safety or fairness.”
“Let me be clear, there is a place for everyone in sports. But no one is entitled to a position that takes an opportunity away from someone else,” he stated. “Today’s vote is a win for girls across Nevada.”
The Chair of the Task Force to Protect Women’s Sports, Marshi Smith, said, “I applaud the NIAA for aligning high school sports policy with federal law to ensure fair competition for Nevada’s girls. The Lieutenant Governor’s Task Force is making a powerful impact, and as a mother and former athlete, I know firsthand how meaningful competition empowers female athletes to succeed in sports and beyond. I’m honored to stand alongside these dedicated advocates for girls’ athletics in the Silver State.”
Under the policy, NIAA eligibility is based on “an unaltered original birth certificate.”
“A male student-athlete shall only be allowed to participate in a NIAA sanctioned sport in accordance with his sex on teams designated for boys or on coed designated teams,” the document states. “A female student athlete shall be allowed to participate in a NIAA sanctioned sport on teams designated for girls or teams designated as coed. A female student athlete may also participate on a team designated for boys if there is no corresponding team available for girls, and the female student athlete qualifies for the team.”
The move follows a February executive order protecting women’s sports.
