San Francisco – The ongoing debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports has recently spilled over into high school sports in the Bay Area. Issues surrounding the inclusion of transgender girls in sports have become increasingly contentious, particularly after a recent girls volleyball tournament at Aragon High School in San Mateo on October 12.
During the tournament, tensions flared when parents and fans from Notre Dame Belmont booed and harassed a transgender player on the opposing team, Half Moon Bay. In response, Aragon’s athletic director, Steve Sell, who is also the co-chair of the Peninsula Athletic League Athletic Directors, reached out to Notre Dame officials to address the concerns. Sell mentioned that consequences could be forthcoming due to the behavior of Notre Dame’s supporters during the matches.
This atmosphere of tension isn’t new for Notre Dame Belmont, as they had previously canceled a non-league game against Half Moon Bay, citing concerns about the presence of the transgender player. Sell, a veteran in sports management and a former football coach, expressed his worry about the impact on the youth involved. “Right now, it’s incredibly scary. Quite frankly, I’m a little frightened for the kids, for trans girls,” he said.
These events come in the midst of a broader national discussion over the rights of transgender athletes, especially in light of federal laws such as Title IX, which prevent discrimination based on sex. The state of California also has guidelines that allow students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity.
Sell has been vocal about the implications for the mental health of transgender students and the ongoing debate regarding any perceived safety concerns. While some worry about physical advantages and safety risks, Sell points out that women in collegiate sports often practice against male teams without safety issues, suggesting that the safety argument may not hold strong in these contexts.
As discussions around this sensitive topic continue, it remains crucial to focus on inclusion and understanding the needs of all students involved in high school sports.
