By Tara Murray
The Riddell District Football Netball League has decided to exclude two transgender athletes who have been competing in their B-grade netball competition for the rest of this season.
The two players played in Melton Centrals’ B-grade side as recently as round seven.
The league has received complaints about the participation of the two transgender athletes.
In a statement on its website and a summary of what was sent to clubs, the league said the matter was discussed at an RDFNL netball coordinators meeting on May 21.
The league said after questionnaire results received from clubs, the RDFNL board had opted to continue to adopt the Netball Victoria transgender and gender diverse policy.
“The RDFNL have the option to consider the inclusion of section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act that allows exclusion on the grounds of ‘’gender identity or intersex status by excluding persons from participation in any competitive sporting activity in which the strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant’’,” the league said.
“After lengthy consideration and consultation, the RDFNL has ruled that the two transgender participants be excluded from the RDFNL netball competitions for the remainder of the 2025 season on the premise that both participants exhibit superior stamina and physique over their competitors deeming section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act relevant.
“The RDFNL will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders on this very sensitive issue and offer any support that we can. The RDFNL board reserves the right to reconsider these options at a future date should circumstances change.
“The board, who are voted in as elected officials on behalf of the member clubs, wants to reiterate to all RDFNL clubs that the RDFNL board has a responsibility to act in the best interests of all our member clubs and participants to provide a safe and inclusive environment for them to participate in the sport of their choice.”
One of the players, Manawa Aranui, took to social media following the decision.
She said her “identity“ and “character“ were attacked saying some of the accusations were “malicious“ in a community and sport that she loves.
“I’ve never sought the spotlight—but I won’t sit still and stay pretty anymore,“ she said.
“This is for my trans and non-binary friends, and especially for the queer kids of the future who, hopefully, will never have to go through this.
“I might not be the first, but I sure as hell won’t be the last.“
Melton Centrals was contacted.
