IAAF approved Rules on Eligibility of Female Athletes with Hyperandrogenism

The International Association for Athletics Federation (IAAF) on 12 April 2011 became the first international sports federation to approve new rules on the eligibility of female athletes with hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenism is a condition involving overproduction of male sex hormones. As per the new IAAF rules, female athletes with excessive levels of male hormones will require medical clearance to compete in women’s events.

The rules are intended to avoid any repeat of the controversy which surrounded South African runner Caster Semenya.  Caster Semenya was ordered to undergo gender verification tests and was sidelined for 11 months after winning the 800m world title in 2009.

The IAAF worked with the International Olympic Committee, which agreed last week to adopt new rules and urged all sports federations to enact similar measures. The rules will go into effect on 1 May 2011.

The rules are based on the grounds that the difference between sporting performance between elite men and women is predominantly due to higher levels of androgenic hormones in men. Women with hyperandrogenism will be eligible to compete in female competition only if their androgen levels are below the men’s range or, if within the male range.

The IAAF appointed a panel of international medical experts to review any such cases. The panel will make recommendations on eligibility to the IAAF. The process will include referring an athlete for full examination and diagnosis with best medical practice at one of six IAAF-approved specialist centres around the world.