Please find below a statement from Basketball Australia - in regard to the decision by the panel on Lexi Rodgers eligibility for the NBL1 South 2023 season.
Basketball Australia Statement – Lexi Rodgers
An expert panel convened by Basketball Australia (BA) has determined transgender athlete Lexi Rodgers is ineligible to play elite (or sub-elite) level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South competition this season.
The expert panel was led by Dr Peter Harcourt (BA Chief Medical Officer, Commonwealth Games Medical Advisor), Suzy Batkovic OLY (BA Board Member, three-time Olympian) and Associate Professor, Diana Robinson.
BA assesses eligibility of prospective elite (or sub-elite) level transgender athletes on a ‘case-by-case’ basis, accounting for and balancing a range of factors, and has implemented this process on behalf of Basketball Victoria in this matter.
As the national governing body, Basketball Australia acknowledges we are still on a path of education and understanding. To aid us in further developing this framework, key stakeholders form the transgender community will contribute feedback and guidance, including Lexi Rodgers, who will provide advice following her experiences.
The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank those involved who have maintained integrity and respect throughout the process.
Basketball Australia Director, former Olympian and panel member, Suzy Batkovic, said:
“Firstly, on behalf of Basketball Australia I’d like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Lexi for her cooperation, understanding and patience throughout this process – it’s a complex space that continues to evolve,”
“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the outcome, I know she’ll continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.
“As we continue to develop the framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community.
“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite (or sub-elite) competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level where the balance of physical activity, health and wellbeing and social benefits can outweigh the competitive nature of sport.”
Lexi Rodgers and the Kilsyth Cobras have been informed of the decision.
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Jo Juler - Executive General Manager, Consumer and Commercial
Basketball Australia
jo.juler@australia.basketball
Danielle Balales – Head of Communications
Basketball Australia
Danielle.Balales@australia.basketball
