Gender Equity Policy
VERSION 5.0
DRAFTED: October 14, 2024
The goal of this policy is to provide a safe, inclusive, competitive, and welcoming environment for all athletes racing paddlecrafts in the State of New York. The New York Paddlesports Racing Association Gender Equity Policy aligns with the Olympic Movement, which encourages sports governing bodies to establish their own policies. Recognizing that both research and public perception on this topic are still developing, the New York Paddlesports Racing Association (NYPRA) will reconsider this policy prior to the 2026 season.
Athlete Guidelines:
-
Neither NYPRA nor race directors have the authority to require athletes to provide medical proof of the class in which they opt to participate. Race directors have authority to determine class qualifications for their race.
-
NYPRA encourages athletes assigned female at birth who have undergone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to consider competing in the male class. Those who have not undergone HRT are encouraged to compete in the class of their choice.
-
NYPRA encourages athletes assigned male at birth who have undergone HRT to compete in the class of their choice. Those who have not undergone HRT are encouraged to compete in a male class.
-
When determining the correct class for multi-person boats, a transgender athlete should refer to the above criteria, and discuss with their race partners if they are comfortable doing so. We recommend non-binary athletes racing in multi-person boats enter the mixed class.
-
If questions about the policy or its application arise, please consult the race director(s), or the NYPRA board as needed.
Notes for Race Directors:
-
Race directors do not have the authority to require athletes to provide medical proof of the class in which they opt to participate.
-
We encourage race directors to include a non-binary class in order to be inclusive and welcoming to all potential racers, with an eye towards continually growing the sport of paddle racing.
-
When non-binary individuals compete in a multi-person craft, they should compete in the mixed class.