Sport Ireland believed transgender policy left them in 'no-win situation'

Ireland's governing authority for sport believed it was in a 'no-win situation' as it looked to prepare guidance on transgender and non-binary participation in sport.

In internal discussions, Sport Ireland said views on the issue were “polarised and very strongly held” and that any advice they gave was likely to be “heavily scrutinised”.

A risk assessment said however it was important there was an overarching policy document to help sporting organisations which were increasingly finding themselves under “significant pressure”.

An internal discussion paper said: “Sport Ireland will receive criticism regardless of the approach recommended, or not, in the guidance.

“In all likelihood, there will be significant reaction and commentary both within the sport sector and from wider society to the publication of the guidance.”

Sport Ireland engaged a private company to conduct research, and consultation with thousands of people as well as international and Irish sporting organisations took place.

However, large sections of the records detailing how the new guidance was developed were withheld under FOI laws on the basis they were confidential.

In another note from their risk register, Sport Ireland said the topic of transgender and non-binary participation could be a “polarising topic”.

It said any guidance was likely to create an “intense debate” and with the possibility of “reputational risk” for the governing authority.

In the wider discussion paper, Sport Ireland said there was no “consensus approach” and it was creating challenges for all sporting organisations.

“It is also important to acknowledge the impact this ongoing debate must be having on the lives of transgender and non-binary sport enthusiasts,” the paper added.

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