The Table Tennis England Gender Eligibility Policy has been published and will come into effect from the 2026/27 season. The new policy has been introduced following an extensive review and two consultations with members.
The policy introduces gender eligibility criteria for participation in the ‘Women’s’ and the renamed ‘Men’s Open’ categories of competition at all Table Tennis England-regulated competitions at a national-ranked level only. The policy applies across all age levels.
From 1 August 2026, the Men’s and Boys’ competitions categories will be renamed ‘Men’s Open’. Players whose biological sex is male or female and whose gender identity is man, trans man, trans woman or non-binary will be eligible to compete in the Men’s Open competition category.
The Women’s and Girls’ competition categories will remain as named and players whose biological sex is female and whose gender identity is woman, or non-binary will be eligible to compete in the Women’s competition category.
| Eligibility Criteria for Regulated Competition or Events at national-ranked level | ||
| Biological Sex | Gender Identity | Eligible Category |
| Male | Man / Boy | Men’s Open |
| Female | Transgender man (FTM) | Men’s Open |
| Male | Non-Binary | Men’s Open |
| Male | Transgender woman (MTF) | Men’s Open |
| Female | Woman / Girl | Women’s |
| Female | Non-Binary | Women’s |
Table Tennis England appreciates that this policy will affect members who may not be able to compete at a national-ranked level in a competition category that aligns with their gender identity, and we regret that we are unable to include everyone in the competition category in which they want to participate. This policy is intended to ensure fairness of competition is protected particularly in the women’s category, where physical strength, stamina, or physique of average persons of one sex would put them at a disadvantage. Community and recreational table tennis and various other competitions, as outlined in the policy and the guidelines, are unaffected by the changes.
Click here to read or download the full policy.
Table Tennis England has published a series of guidance documents, as well as a summary report of the analysis of the extensive consultation which underpinned development of the policy. These can be accessed using the links at the bottom of the page. We are planning a series of online workshops which members can attend to find out more about the practical implementation of the policy. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on this website.
How did we get to this point?
In April 2025, following UK Sport/Sport England advice which encouraged sports organisations to consult and have a policy regarding gender inclusion, and a UK Supreme Court ruling which confirmed that the Equality Act 2010 defined “woman” as someone who is biologically female, Table Tennis England formed a working group to consider the policy direction to take.
The working group reviewed its existing Transgender Guidelines, scientific research and the law, and considered that table tennis was a ‘gender affected’ sport. To protect the fairness of the Women’s competition category at a national-ranked level, in which ranking points are provided for match outcomes, a new policy was required.
In July 2025, Table Tennis England published a draft policy and commenced the first consultation process to gather people’s thoughts and understand how the policy may affect their participation in our sport. The first consultation involved a survey and a series of interviews. A second consultation process involved gathering the members’ views on the renaming of competition categories and tournament formats.
Table Tennis England also looked at other sports’ policies to understand current practice (e.g. Lawn Tennis Association, England Squash, Basketball England, etc), as well as considering media coverage, and the representation of transgender athletes.
Taking into consideration the outcomes of the two consultation processes, as well as legal, regulatory and scientific literature, Table Tennis England has introduced the new policy to balance fairness and inclusivity, and to ensure that all members can remain involved in table tennis, whether through playing, or as part of the wider workforce.
Table Tennis England CEO Sally Lockyer said: “The development of the policy included two phases of consultation, including a survey to more than 130,000 people which received over 2,000 responses and a series of consultation interviews held over a two-month period. The decisions presented in the policy were carefully considered and were not made lightly.
“The Supreme Court ruling meant we had to ensure its legal implications were fully considered to uphold a lawful, fair and inclusive approach to the sport.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, we will during the 2026/27 season gather insight and feedback so we can further evaluate the policy in time for the 2027/28 season. We are committed to improving our insight with all stakeholders in this area.
“This is a sensitive subject for many people, and we request that anyone commenting on the policy does so sensitively.”
Click here to view an at-a-glance guide to eligibility criteria for regulated competition or events at nationally ranked level.
Further details, including a programme of supporting webinars to guide stakeholders through the policy, provide additional clarity, and offer an opportunity for questions, will be shared in due course and in preparation for the new season.
