Hi Cows,

at this weeks QGM we had a discussion about trans and non-binary inclusivity. In fitting with our inclusive and anti-homophobic/transphobic ethos we have always been open to trans women and non-binary players. However, we realised that this has been more of an un-written rule and we've never really advertised the fact or explicitly stated it anywhere, so these players may not know they would be welcome. Secondly, we wanted to make sure that everyone on the team is aware of this, so that we have any potential discussions now rather than making anyone feel that they were being singled out in the future.

So, we would like to open up the discussion here. When other teams in our network have had trans women playing for them, any complaints have tended to be that these players might be unfairly or unsafely strong/physical (due to both build and having been used to the men's game). The counter to this has been that any cis woman could also be physically larger, stronger, of a higher standard and/or more agressive than we are used to as a team.

The issue instead then becomes a separate one of how do we maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all our players, including those who have just started playing the game, are recovering from injuries or are vulnerable due to past injuries etc. Because our core ethos as a team has always been that we are open to players of all abilities and fitness levels, we have a rule of no hard tackles (especially slide tackles) or aggressive play*. This ethos has been fostered by all of us, and it is up to us as players to have a word with someone who is playing a bit too rough. This would apply to any trans or non-binary players just the same.

Apart from discussing it openly, we also decided that we should clarify all this on the welcome leaflet and issue statements on all our social medias. Our welcome leaflet currently states:

"Training  is  for  all  abilities  and  is  safe, inclusive, supportive, friendly and FUN - please no hard tackles or aggro!"

"The ECCSSC is anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-fascist and anti-homophobic. We respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone  equally  regardless  of  age,  ability,  gender,  race,  ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status" (this is from the full club constitution).

I propose adding 'anti-transphobic' to that list, and also adding a line saying that "Easton Cowgirls are open to all trans women and non-binary players who share our core ethos and values". I've attached an updated version of the welcome leaflet for anyone who cares to check over and make sure you're ok with it.

Then on our various social medias we can issue a statement saying the above followed by a bullet list of our ethos and values.

We also talked at the meeting about optionally starting to say our pronouns at training when we do our round of names, for anyone who feels comfortable doing so.

Any comments? Additions? Suggestions? Worries? If you don't feel comfortable replying to everyone here, talk to a committee member or someone else you feel comfortable talking to.

Big Cow Love,

Sal xx

*Of course football is a physical game and some players in our team like to play a bit more competitively or physically, and as we all get to know each other you tend to know who you can play a bit harder against and who to look after cos they're injured. It also only applies to our training, we can't control how other teams in the casual league or at tournaments play.