Transgender athlete denied permission to play in elite women’s league

When the Australian rules football women’s league (AFLW) holds their draft on Wednesday, there’s one name that certainly won’t be called.

Transgender athlete Hannah Mouncey has been denied permission to play in the league in 2018, the AFLW announced on Tuesday.

The AFL’s full statement on the AFLW draft eligibility of Hannah Mouncey. https://t.co/fBRfQRwEqC

— AFL (@AFL) October 17, 2017

A subcommittee of league commissioners and general managers were tasked with making the decision on Mouncey.

"The subcommittee carefully considered all of the information provided by Hannah, as well as the available data on transgender strength, stamina, physique along with the specific nature of the AFLW competition,” said a statement released by the league.

“The subcommittee’s decision took into account the stage of maturity of the AFLW competition, its current player cohort and Ms. Mouncey’s individual circumstances.”

The AFL’s GM of inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch, added her two cents on the matter.

"Hannah’s passion for football is undeniable, and I want to thank her and her team for their constructive participation in the decision-making process," she said.

Good luck to all the girls who nominated for the AFLW draft tomorrow, especially my mates from Canberra. I can’t wait to see you all at the highest level and to play with and against you back in Canberra next year!

— Hannah Mouncey 🤾‍♀️ (@hannahmouncey1) October 17, 2017

“She has contributed to a process which will substantially inform the development of the AFL’s transgender policy and procedure for future players at the elite level.”

Tuesday’s decision solely relates to Mouncey’s eligibility for the 2018 season and she will be allowed to nominate herself for future AFLW drafts and Australian football competitions.