The competition definition of male and female as described in Rule 1.a of the Men’s and Rule 1.a Women’s Inter-Club Competitions
Male Competitions (Taskers Trophy & Taskers Plate): Competitors in the team must hold a WHS™ handicap identifying them as male golfers.
Female Competitions (Burtoft Trophy): Competitors in the team must hold a WHS™ handicap identifying them as female golfers.
Approach & Policy #
The Taskers Trophy Inter-Club Competition is committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout its all engaged with the competition. The Organising Committee respects the right of all individuals to adopt a gender identity different than their sex assigned at birth.
This approach is based on the guidelines and policies of England Golf and aims to balance fairness and gender inclusion in a way that is reasonable and proportionate for amateur golf.
This definition applies to all golf competitions organised under the Taskers Trophy Inter-Club competition, where we have separate competitions for males and females. It respects the right of individuals to adopt a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth. Unlawful discrimination, abuse, or harassment contrary to the Equality Act 2010 will not be tolerated.
Competition Eligibility #
In alignment with England’s Golf policy guidance for handicap competitions are either male competitions or female competitions. The eligibility requirements for handicap competitions are as follows:
For male competitions, competitors are required to hold a WHS™ handicap which identifies that they are a male golfer.
For female competitions, competitors are required to hold a WHS™ handicap which identifies that they are a female golfer.
These are the only 2 gender identifiers that are available in the WHS
Definition of Handicap Competition
A handicap competition is played in accordance with Rule 3.1.c (2) of the Rules of Golf: “In a handicap competition: The player’s ‘net score’ for a hole or the round is the gross score adjusted for the player’s handicap strokes. This is done so that players of differing abilities can compete in a fair way.”
Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings #
The competition reserves the right to investigate any concerns regarding an individual’s eligibility to participate within a competition.
Any concerns should be directed to the competition committee, via the Secretary and handled with respect, discretion, and confidentiality. The organising committee may seek support and guidance from England Golf relating to investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Concerns Regarding Eligibility
In the event that any person has a concern regarding an individual’s eligibility to participate within a competition, they should not attempt to raise those concerns directly with the individual.
Any concerns should be directed to the Secretary of the Taskers Trophy Inter-Club, who can be contacted via the contact form
If any concern under this policy is identified during a live match, the competitor should be permitted to continue, and the Taskers Trophy Secretary can then be contacted after the match.
Any individual wishing to raise any concern under this policy should do so with the principles of respect, discretion, and confidentiality in mind, remembering that such matters are likely to be sensitive in nature. Concerns under this policy should therefore be discussed with the Taskers Trophy Secretary only and individuals are discouraged from sharing their concerns more widely.
Investigation
The Organising Committee has the right to investigate whether an individual who is competing, is intending to compete, or has competed within an Eligible Competition, if there are any circumstances which indicate non-compliance of this Policy and Rule 1.a by that individual, including a suspicion of non-compliance which is reasonably held in good faith.
An individual, and their Team Captain, who is subject to an investigation under this section is required to co-operate fully in good faith. Failure to do so may result in committee action resulting in the disqualification of a team from the competition.
In addition, the Organising Committee may consider a temporary suspension of an individual from competing in an Eligible Competition Team where further investigation is required before a conclusion can be reached.
The Organising Committee may take action against anyone not acting in good faith in raising concerns on this topic, including the use of insensitive, discriminatory, or derogatory language.
The competition will use reasonable endeavours to complete any investigation as quickly as possible.
The competition reserves the right to seek support and/or guidance from England Golf relating to investigations for alleged breach of this policy.
Further Guidance and Support #
Further information can be found from the following sources:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Guidance
LPGA Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility
