California Federation Revives 1-Extra-Medal Rule for Transgender Track Events
Updated
Updated · KQED · May 19
California Federation Revives 1-Extra-Medal Rule for Transgender Track Events
6 articles · Updated · KQED · May 19
The California Interscholastic Federation reinstated its track-and-field scoring policy that adds an extra qualifier and medal spot in events where a transgender girl competes and places.
The move answers months of uncertainty over how CIF would handle this year’s championship season after piloting the same rule last year.
CIF first adopted the policy amid anti-trans backlash tied to AB Hernandez’s participation, and Hernandez learned of its return by checking the app while driving home with her mother.
The decision keeps in place a workaround California’s high school sports governing body has used to manage competitive disputes around transgender athletes without barring them from competition.
As California awards duplicate medals in girls' sports, who truly wins in this controversial compromise?
Is the inclusion of a few trans athletes the real threat to girls' sports, or are systemic issues being ignored?