Thread by @zeno001

Hi @the_LTA

In your membership application form for both adults and children, you ask: "What gender do you associate yourself with?" and provide the options 'Male' and 'Female'.

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lta.org.uk/member/signup/…

It is unclear what you mean by this question and whether it aligns with your safeguarding duties. The term 'gender' is not defined and means different things to different people but does not mean the same as the term sex.

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'Male' and 'Female' are the only two sexes, as defined in the Equality Act 2010 Act and consistent with biology.

In terms of safeguarding, I would suggest that parents would want to know the sex of the person who will be coaching their child.

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In your search tool to find a coach, you give either 'Male' or Female' under their name. In filtering for coaches (which visitors may or not use or see), you use the term 'gender':

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You do not say whether you mean this is the sex of the coach or the 'gender they associate with'. This is a serious lapse of safeguarding as it prevents parents and players making fully informed decisions in choosing a coach.

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In some of your policies, you use the phrase, "Players are not allowed in the hotel rooms of the opposite sex..."

If you do not know the sex of any player - because you don't ask for it or record it - it's difficult to see how you could decide if this rule has been broken.

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I would invite you to review your documents, forms and policies to ensure everyone - particularly parents - know who they will be coached by and who they will be playing with.

Please pass this on to your Safeguarding Officer and please respond.

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