EYSA Transgender Player Policy

Easthampton Youth Soccer Association (EYSA) is committed to providing all athletes with equal opportunities to participate in our soccer programs consistent with their affirmed gender identity. This policy addresses eligibility for players who have a gender identity that is different from the gender listed on their official birth certificates or school records. 

Following from MIAA’s determination that “it would be fundamentally unjust and contrary to applicable state and federal law to preclude a student from participation on a gender specific sports team that is consistent with the public gender identity of that student for all other purposes,” for purposes of soccer participation, EYSA shall defer to the determination of players and their parents/guardians regarding gender identification. Therefore, EYSA will allow all players to participate with the team(s) that match their affirmed gender identity and expression.

EYSA will not require any prior medical or mental health care be rendered in order to make players eligible for a team that matches their affirmed gender identity.

Affirmed Names and Pronouns
A student may have a name and pronouns that are different from what may be indicated by the student’s school records. Coaches, administrators, and officials shall use the student’s affirmed name and pronouns and shall ensure that the student’s name and pronouns are respected by others including teammates, opponents, fans, volunteers, announcers, etc. 

Competitions with other Associations
In cases where competition involves teams outside of EYSA (travel teams playing in Roots Soccer League or within other MYSA-governed competitions) decisions shall be made in consultation with the player and their parents without violating confidentiality or privacy. If requested by the player and parent, the EYSA Board of Directors should communicate with their counterparts at other associations prior to competitions in which a transgender or gender expansive athlete is participating about expectations for treatment of student-athletes on and off the field, including to ensure access to appropriate changing, showering, or bathroom facilities, and to request the use of affirmed names and pronouns by coaches, opponents, officials, announcers, fans, and media

Training and Education
EYSA shall provide training regarding this policy to all team coaches and volunteers at the start of each soccer season. This policy shall be included in coaching materials distributed by EYSA and posted on the EYSA website.