Mount Holyoke College Athletics
Transgender Inclusion Policies
Mount Holyoke Statement of Nondiscrimination: Mount Holyoke is committed both to its mission as a women’s college and to providing access to talented students from all backgrounds. The diversity of our students, staff, faculty and curricula is a point of pride and a hallmark of the institution. Our commitment to diversity is evidenced by our active prohibition of discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national/ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran/uniform status and all other classifications protected by law in our educational policies, employment, campus services and activities. This same principle applies to admission to our graduate and extension programs.
As a women’s college that is gender diverse, Mount Holyoke welcomes applications from female, transgender and nonbinary students.
NCAA & CSA SPONSORED SPORTS
NCAA Policy on Transgender Student-Athlete Participation
Mount Holyoke will sponsor women’s varsity teams and follow NCAA guidance with regard to the participation of transgender and transitioning students, including the following:
- A student-athlete who is not taking medically prescribed testosterone related to gender transition may participate on a women’s team.
For questions regarding NCAA or CSA sports participation, contact Andrea Ricketts-Preston.
IHSA SPONSORED SPORTS
Both our Hunt Seat and Western Riding teams are members of the IHSA, which is a co-ed organization. All student-athletes can compete on these teams.
CLUB SPORTS
Fencing and Ultimate Frisbee follow the NCAA guidelines
Rugby: The Rugby team’s membership requirements follow the guidelines of USA Rugby, the IAAF and the NEWCRC. There is a policy regarding transgender athletes for the IAAF. Additionally, the NEWCRC does not allow mixed gender-identified teams and individuals who have transitioned are allowed to play for the team that matches their gender-identification following a two-year waiting period.
Ice Hockey: The ice hockey team's membership requirements are noted on pg. 54 of the ACHA manual; no gender requirements are noted by the ACHA at this time.
Dressage: Dressage follows all Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) bylaws, which serve all college dressage enthusiasts regardless of age, color, gender, race, religion, socio/economic status or national origin.
FIVE COLLEGE CONSORTIUM PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
Most clubs, intramural sports and extracurricular activities on each Five College campus are open to Five College students. The exception is varsity sports, which in most cases are not open to students from other campuses. The links below connect to lists of official student groups at the campuses:
Amherst College
Hampshire College
Smith College
UMass Amherst