By Mikayla van Loon
Basketball Australia has handed down its decision to not approve the NBL1 playing application from a transgender player in the Kilsyth Cobras women’s team for 2023.
Lexi Rodgers, who was revealed as the player after she spoke out in an interview on the podcast Under the Surface in March, has been told she is “ineligible to play elite level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South competition.”
In a statement released by Basketball Australia on Tuesday 18 April, it was announced that the expert panel, led by Dr Peter Harcourt, Suzy Batkovic OLY and Associate Professor Diana Robinson, did not find Rodgers’ case to meet the criteria required for approval.
Taking to social media to air her disappointment in the decision, Rodgers said she was grateful to have received such overwhelming support from her fellow players, coaches and club.
“Basketball is one of the great loves of my life. Like so many people who play every week across the country, the basketball court is where I feel safe, where I feel free, and where I feel I belong,” she said.
While noting the end of this chapter, Rodgers said “this is not the end of my journey as an athlete”, hopeful she will be playing elite women’s basketball in the future.
“I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia. I participated fully and in good faith with the process and eligibility criteria,” she said.
“Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly believe I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball.”
Despite being concerned about how this might affect other transgender athletes, Rodgers said she would work towards creating a safe space for all in sport and would like to think organisations like Basketball Australia will do the same.
“I am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans and gender diverse people everywhere.
“I hope that one day basketball’s governing body can replicate the inclusion and acceptance I have found on the court with my teammates.”
Basketball Australia took over the process of assessing Rodgers’ application from Basketball Victoria, with both governing bodies still in the process of establishing frameworks for transgender athletes.
“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community,” Basketball Australia Director, former Olympian and panel member, Suzy Batkovic, said.
“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level.”
Batkovic thanked Rodgers for her patience and cooperation during the assessment process, stating it is “a complex space that continues to evolve” and said Basketball Australia is committed to furthering its understanding and education.
“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the outcome, I know she’ll continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.”
