10
Jan, 2025
Statement of Iowa USA Wrestling Board of Directors regarding tournament eligibility
An athlete that has previously registered in Iowa USA Wrestling events in the Boys Division has registered to participate in the Girls Division of the 2025 Kids Folkstyle Championships. The Board has consulted with legal counsel to ensure compliance with state law and the written policies of Iowa USA Wrestling. We have been advised that the Iowa law regarding the participation of transgender athletes in interscholastic athletic events does not apply to the Iowa USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Championships as this event is not interscholastic in nature. The Iowa USA Wrestling policy regarding the participation of transgender athletes currently draws upon the policy adopted by USA Wrestling. The USA Wrestling Transgender Guidelines state that “[i]ndividuals transitioning from male to female before puberty shall be regarded as girls and women.” The Board is taking steps to determine if the athlete in question should be permitted to compete in the Girls Division pursuant to the policy currently in place. The Board intends to revisit the Iowa USA Wrestling policy regarding the participation of transgender athletes after the Iowa USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Championships.
Addendum 1/12/25:
Prior to bracketing and competition, the Board reviewed pertinent eligibility criteria and determined athlete assignment to their division to be in accordance with current USA Wrestling policy.