For those who like their cultural clashes wrapped in spandex, it’s hard to beat the current controversy surrounding the participation of transgender females in women’s collegiate volleyball. A number of schools forfeited games to San José State University this season because the San José team included a trans woman. Charges of “unfair physical advantage” abounded, which is understandable, since we all know that every genetic male is only a single cousin removed from Jason Momoa.
Well, the NCAA has just weighed in on the matter, and for once it seems to have struck the right balance in terms of fairness. On December 1st, the organization announced that transgender females will be allowed to play on women’s volleyball teams in 2025 as long as they abide by the following rules:
— They can only serve or spike the ball with their non-dominant hand. Ambidextrous trans competitors must use their foreheads.
— They must play with their back to the net.
— No jumping; one trans foot must be in contact with the floor at all times.
— Oversized oven mitts must be worn by trans athletes on both hands and secured to their wrists with duct tape.
— No drinking of water or other liquids by trans team members during time outs.
— If a trans competitor strikes the ball and it lands out of bounds, she must run penalty laps around the perimeter of the court for 10 minutes while play continues.
— If a teammate of a trans competitor strikes the ball and it lands out of bounds, the trans competitor must run penalty laps around the perimeter of the court for 5 minutes while play continues.
— 15 minutes before every game, trans competitors must consume a Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast (two buttermilk pancakes served with eggs, bacon strips and sausage links) at their own expense.
According to NCAA President Charlie Baker, “we are confident that these measures will ensure a level playing field for all of our student athletes in NCAA women’s volleyball games next year. Have fun, girls, and may the best self-identified women’s team win!”