Update on Supreme Court Ruling and Implications for Hockey in Scotland 

On the 15th of April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruling clarified that under the Equality Act 2010, the term “sex” refers to biological sex rather than gender identity.

While this does not require immediate changes from sports governing bodies, it may have a bearing on how policies are developed around single-sex competition, inclusion, and fairness. Some sports have already made changes and others are reviewing their policies in light of the ruling. 

We understand this decision raises important and sensitive questions for our sport and recognise that any progress we make—whether to update a policy or retain our current approach—may have an impact on individuals within our community. That’s why we are approaching this with great care, guided by legal obligations, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to respecting and supporting our members. 

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is expected to publish updated guidance for sports organisations before the UK Parliament’s summer recess. This guidance will help clarify how the ruling interacts with existing law and will be a key resource in informing our next steps. 

In the meantime, we will review how other governing bodies are approaching this to support our understanding while maintaining a focus on doing what’s right for hockey in Scotland, focusing on fairness in both competition and access to the sport. 

No decisions have been made at this stage. Over the summer, we will take time to review the EHRC guidance and engage with our clubs, members, and partners. Member input will be an important part of this process, alongside careful consideration of legal guidance and the wider implications for fairness, safety, and inclusion in our sport. 

We aim to provide an update on our position before the start of the 2025/26 season, subject to the timing of the EHRC guidance and our engagement process. 

For those wishing to explore the ruling further, a helpful summary is available here: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74z04j23pwo 

 

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