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Guidance for Gender-Diverse Minor Athletes

Inclusion of Gender-Diverse Minor Athletes

MCSL is committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all swimmers.

The following guidelines are intended to support teams in creating positive and inclusive experiences throughout the League.

Athlete Registration

  • Swimmers should register and compete in the gender with which they identify.
  • MCSL does not have a formal process for changing an athlete’s gender designation or carrying forward previous times within the MCSL database. For League administrative purposes, each season is treated independently, and all athletes are considered newly registered participants for that season, regardless of prior participation.

Competition Categories

  • Athletes should compete in the category that best aligns with their gender identity.
  • Non-binary athletes should choose the competition category in which they feel most comfortable participating. If that is not known, athletes should compete in the boy events.

Swimwear

  • In 2023, the MCSL Rules Committee approved swimsuit exceptions for gender-diverse athletes.
  • All swimwear must comply with MCSL competition rules and may not provide a competitive advantage.
  • Questions regarding swimwear eligibility should be directed to the MCSL Rules Committee.

Team Education and Support

  • Teams are encouraged to provide training and guidance for coaches, staff, and volunteers on preventing and addressing bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
  • While MCSL does not currently offer a diversity and inclusion training program, teams are encouraged to address these topics within their own policies and procedures.
  • Team representatives may contact the MCSL Board for guidance or support.

Communication and Team Integration

  • Teams that have successfully supported gender-diverse athletes generally focus on creating a respectful and welcoming environment without drawing unnecessary attention to the athlete.
  • Team representatives, coaches, athletes, and parents/guardians may wish to discuss communication plans in advance to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for everyone involved.

Times

  • Competition times are established through time trials and participation in A and B meets.
  • If an athlete’s gender designation changes between seasons, new times may be established at the beginning of the season through the standard MCSL process.

Facilities

  • Gender-diverse athletes are generally permitted to use locker rooms, changing areas, and restrooms that align with their gender identity.
  • Where available, private, single-occupancy, family, or gender-neutral restrooms may be a suitable option for any athlete who prefers to use them.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

  • Teams should comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations.
  • MCSL does not provide legal advice; however, please note that Maryland law protects individuals from discrimination based on gender identity through the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014.

Exceptions

  • The MCSL Coaches Long Course Meet is a USA Swimming approved meet and will be conducted in accordance with USA Swimming rules. Additional information will be provided to teams with athletes who qualify for the meet.

Questions or Assistance

  • Questions regarding these guidelines may be directed to board@mcsl.org.


Updated: June 4, 2026