Jeff Spring: Do trans disc golfers have an FPO advantage?

A few weeks back, I spoke for a good sixty minutes with Jeff Spring.

During that phone conversation, I asked him eight of what I believed to be the most pressing questions within the world of professional disc golf. Originally, the goal was to compile his answers into one giant article – you’ve seen us do this many times before at Green Splatter.

His answers, however, were SO thorough and SO detailed, the article would’ve rivaled the Old Testament in terms of length. So, instead of going that route, I’ve decided to publish one answer every few days in an eight-part series – here’s the first question I asked Jeff last month:

* Question: Do transgender disc golfers have a competitive advantage in the FPO division?

Word-for-word, his answer can be found below:

The issue at hand

“I’ll start by saying this is a sensitive topic.

“It’s one of the hardest subjects to discuss in the professional game. And I’m not just referencing the conversation you and I are having right now, either – this is much bigger than disc golf.”

The IOC and inclusivity

“This is an issue all pro sports are dealing with, too, especially after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released their updates on all transgender policies. If I remember correctly, it was a six-page brief back in February that put the onus on individual sports leagues and organizations to determine what’s fair for their sport.

“Before that, the IOC had a broad standard and procedure. The one thing the update from the IOC did specify is that, in order to have your sport in the Olympics, it should be inclusionary. If you’re interested in more information on what that means, I suggest reading the official IOC framework published in February.”

The role the DGPT plays in policy-making

“Additionally, it’s important to remember that the PDGA is disc golf’s governing body. As the official tour of the PDGA, we follow the organization’s policies and rules for the sport. So I preface my answer to this question with those two pieces of information – they’re important. 

“Ultimately, what disc golf decides is an ‘advantage’ in the FPO division is primarily in the hands of the PDGA, the medical committee and the subcommittee dedicated to gathering the best information they can on this topic.”

Why the PDGA follows the IOC’s lead

“I do understand the frustration from portions of the public and FPO competitors who look at transgender competition as unfair to the women’s division – I get that. However, to date, the PDGA has been extremely transparent about their strict adherence to what the IOC sets as the international standard.

“Remember: We have aspirations to bring disc golf to the Olympics one day.

“It’s important that we do this.”

How the PDGA is responding

“Now that the IOC’s policy has evolved, the PDGA has acted quickly.

“Their medical committee has created a subcommittee. The subcommittee is focused on working with health professionals, scientists and experts to understand what a competitive advantage might be for transgender disc golfers. But not just that – should any kind of advantage be discovered, what policies should be in place to restrict said advantage.

“So my answer to your original question is yes – I think it’s possible that some trans athletes have an advantage in the FPO division. I’m not the expert on this, though – far from it, in fact. At the end of the day, it’s not for me to decide who has a competitive advantage and who doesn’t.

“Players, fans, stakeholders – there’s a gradient of opinions within the sport. Again, there could be an advantage, but what the DGPT is focused on right now is encouraging the PDGA to complete its subcommittee work. That way, they can issue their findings and update disc golf’s policies as soon as possible. If a policy update is forthcoming, we feel it needs to happen with as much expedience as is possible, while conducting the process with integrity and prudence.”

Moving forward with confidence

“When that policy is updated, based on what I’ve heard thus far, I’m hopeful it will ensure that no competitive advantage is granted to anyone within the FPO division. Up until now, the policy as it has stood has made sense, as it aligned fully with the IOC.

“I do think the policy needs to be updated. The steps to making that happen are well under way. When they’ve been made public knowledge, the DGPT will absolutely utilize the PDGA medical committee’s findings. We plan to follow any subsequent policy changes.”

A parting word of importance …

Wherever you stand on this issue, amidst the tumult of impassioned opinions you see on social media, don’t forget that there are living, breathing people caught in the crosshairs of a discussion that usually turns contentious. That’s a REALLY tough position to be in – please be respectful.

I love a good back-and-forth on Twitter just as much as the next guy. And nobody welcomes a fiery comment on a blog post more than me, but given the sensitivity surrounding this issue, choose kindness with your words. Most people are good – let’s put that on full-display.

Thank you.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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