In 2025, the NCAA updated its transgender student-athlete participation policy. The NESCAC operates within the framework of the NCAA and its rules and policies, and maintains the following policies consistent with the NCAA. The policy outlined below applies to all practice and competition in NCAA sports in which the NCAA conducts championships separated by gender. This includes all NCAA competition (regular season, conference championships, postseason, scrimmages, and exhibitions).
As with all other NCAA eligibility criteria, member schools remain responsible for certifying student-athlete eligibility for practice and competition. The application of this policy may not be waived.
- NCAA Men's Team
Regardless of sex assigned at birth or gender identity, a student-athlete may participate (practice and compete) with a men's team, assuming they meet all other NCAA eligibility requirements.
- Medical Exception Process. Please note, student-athletes taking a banned substance (e.g., testosterone) must complete the medical exception process.
- NCAA Women's Team
- Student-athlete assigned male at birth.
- Competition. A student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete on a women's team.
- Practice. A student-athlete assigned male at birth may practice on the team consistent with their gender identity and receive all other benefits applicable to student-athletes who are otherwise eligible for practice.
- Student-athlete assigned female at birth.
- Competition. A student-athlete assigned female at birth who has begun hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone) may not compete on a women's team. If such competition occurs, the team is subject to NCAA mixed-team legislation, and the team will no longer be eligible for NCAA women's championships.
- Practice. A student-athlete assigned female at birth who has begun hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone) may continue practicing with a women's team and receive all other benefits applicable to student-athletes who are otherwise eligible for practice.
