USA Fencing has updated its policy regarding the eligibility of transgender and non-binary athletes, effectively excluding men from participating in sanctioned female competitions.

The announced changes come into effect on August 1st. This move follows earlier criticism the fencing organization faced for allowing biological men “to participate in USA Fencing-sanctioned events in a manner consistent with their gender identity/expression, regardless of the gender associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.”

The newly amended policy now declares that the women’s category is strictly for “athletes who are of the female sex.” Transgender females, who are biological males, will now compete in the men’s category, which is “open to all athletes not eligible for the Women’s Category,” as reported by the sanctioning body.

USA Fencing stated that these changes were implemented “to align athlete‑eligibility policies with a federal executive order.” It is noteworthy that this order, named “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was issued by President Donald Trump on February 5th, to “protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports.”

This new policy does not extend to “unsanctioned fencing events or activity,” as per the organization’s announcement last Friday. This raises important questions about the impact of these changes on non-sanctioned events and how they will be regulated.

The USA Fencing’s policy change is a significant shift that will undoubtedly generate continued debate in the realm of sports.