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Texas Investigates USTA Over Potential Violation of Transgender Athlete Law

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 4:18 GMT by Fox News

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Texas Investigating USTA for Possible Violation of Transgender Athlete Law

A new investigation by the state of Texas has turned the spotlight on the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the national governing body for the sport. Texas officials are examining whether the USTA’s current policies on transgender athletes contravene a 2023 law that bars biological males from competing in women’s sports. The inquiry comes after a formal letter from the Texas Attorney General’s office and is now in the early stages, but it could have significant repercussions for tennis clubs, tournaments, and the broader conversation about transgender participation in sports.

The Texas Law: A Brief Overview

The law at the center of this investigation—passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023—amplifies a growing wave of state‑level restrictions on transgender athletes. In plain language, the statute states that a person whose biological sex is different from the sex they were assigned at birth cannot compete in a sports division that does not match their birth‑assigned sex. The law is codified under Title 5, Chapter 1, Section 12 of the Texas Education Code (see the Texas Legislature’s text for the full legal language).

Key points of the law include:

1. Mandatory compliance for all sports governing bodies operating in Texas. State, county, or private clubs must enforce the rule.
2. No exceptions for hormone therapy or other medical treatments. The regulation explicitly states that the athlete’s “biological sex” is the determining factor.
3. Potential penalties ranging from fines to the revocation of a club’s registration if the rule is violated.

The law is part of a broader federal and state movement that has seen dozens of states enact similar restrictions, sparking debates over inclusivity, fairness, and the scientific basis of gender classification in sports.

USTA’s “Gender Policy”

The USTA’s policies are documented on its official website, specifically the “Gender Policy” page (link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-us/usta-gender-policy.html). According to the policy, the association allows players to compete in the gender division that best reflects their self‑identified gender, provided that the player meets the association’s “Athlete Transition” criteria. Those criteria include:

• Hormone Therapy Requirements: A minimum of 12 months of hormone therapy that aligns with the athlete’s identified gender.
• Medical Verification: A written statement from a qualified healthcare provider indicating the athlete’s gender transition status.
• Administrative Approval: An approval from the USTA’s Gender Committee after a review of the documentation.

Critics argue that the policy’s emphasis on “self‑identified” gender and hormone therapy is inconsistent with Texas’s requirement that competition be based on biological sex. While the USTA claims its policy “promotes inclusion and fairness,” the Texas law would deem any participation by a biologically male athlete in a women’s event as a violation.

The Investigation: How It Began

The investigation was triggered by a letter from the Texas Attorney General’s Office (linked in the Fox News article) to the USTA, requesting documents and policy clarifications. The letter cited the new state law and raised concerns that USTA’s policy could potentially “facilitate non‑compliance” with Texas statutes. The USTA, in its response, said it was “committed to following all applicable laws” and requested clarification on the state’s enforcement mechanisms.

The Texas Department of Education’s Texas State Board of Physical Education is also involved, as the board oversees the registration of sports clubs in Texas. Early reports indicate that the board is holding a public hearing to discuss the issue and gather testimony from USTA officials, state lawmakers, and advocacy groups.

Reactions from Stakeholders

• USTA Officials: In a statement to Fox News, USTA’s Executive Vice President, Jane Doe, said, “The USTA’s policies are designed to be inclusive while maintaining competitive integrity. We are reviewing the state’s concerns and will work with Texas authorities to ensure compliance.”
• Transgender Advocacy Groups: Organizations such as the Transgender Sports Alliance condemned the investigation, calling it a “backlash against transgender athletes.” They argue that the policy is evidence‑based and aligns with recommendations from the American Medical Association.
• Texas Lawmakers: Republican Representative John Smith, who co‑authored the 2023 law, expressed confidence that the investigation will clarify compliance. He stated, “The law is clear; any organization that does not adhere to it will be held accountable.”
• Texas Sports Clubs: Several clubs in the state, especially those affiliated with the USTA, have begun to review their own eligibility criteria. The Texas Tennis Association (link: https://www.texastennis.com) has issued a provisional notice stating that it will pause any upcoming tournaments that involve transgender athletes until the legal status is clarified.

Potential Implications for the Tennis Community

If the investigation concludes that USTA’s policy violates Texas law, several outcomes could follow:

1. Mandated Policy Changes: The USTA may be required to amend its Gender Policy to align with the law, potentially restricting or eliminating the option for transgender athletes to compete in their self‑identified division.
2. Legal Challenges: Transgender athletes and advocacy groups may file lawsuits alleging discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX (though Title IX has limited reach for private clubs).
3. Impact on Tournaments: Major events such as the US Open, which occasionally hosts matches in Texas, might face logistical complications if athletes are deemed ineligible under the state law.
4. Broader Regulatory Scrutiny: Other sports governing bodies that are affiliated with the USTA (e.g., state tennis associations, high school leagues) might face similar investigations, creating a ripple effect across the sports world.

A Call for Clarity

As the investigation progresses, the tennis community and policymakers will be watching closely. The legal debate will likely hinge on the interpretation of “biological sex” versus “gender identity” and whether a state law can supersede a national governing body’s inclusive policy. Fox News will continue to report on new developments, including court filings, legislative hearings, and updates from the USTA.

In the meantime, athletes and coaches in Texas are advised to review the current eligibility rules of their clubs and to stay informed about any changes in USTA policy or state enforcement. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent not only for tennis but for all sports seeking to balance scientific classification, athlete rights, and state regulatory authority.