Transgender Athlete Inclusivity Initiative.
Pacific Northwest WSO Local Variance:
Allowing trans athletes to participate in local meets in gender identity regardless of USAW status on gender; this will not supersede the USAW policy, rather promote inclusivity at the local level. This local variance to allow athletes to lift as they are – at the local level – and go through the official USAW Trans Athlete Policy process if / when ready. State records and higher-level (national and international) competitions will remain available for athletes in the gender they have established with USAW officially. Results will be entered into USAW BARS by member ID.
Use of an updated athlete card: Former Oregon LWC developed an athlete card with spaces for pronouns and preferred names. It is form fillable. Board approved use of this card but it is optional – not mandatory. Some meet directors use digital scoring systems which print the standard athlete cards and those don’t yet have access to the updated gender/name preferred card.
Board encourages all meet directors to make USAW athletes welcome by ensuring speakers use appropriate gender pronouns and correct names.