I try to offer all new fighters information about a variety of body configurations so that they can pick what is relevant to them without having to reveal their anatomy to me. I usually describe the rapier pelvic protection requirement as “if you have external genitals, you will need an athletic cup; you shouldn’t be asked if you have them, but you will be asked if you are wearing appropriate protection for your body, and your answer to this should take this information into account”. There’s some nuance here for trans fighters, particularly those assigned male at birth, that I also convey informally. It’s time to write that down explicitly.

Information for trans fighters:

It is my understanding that as of the 2024 revisions to the rapier rules, the external genital rigid protection requirement is specifically about testicles. What this means:

  • Trans masculine people (assigned female at birth) who haven’t had lower surgery – no rigid protection required
  • Trans masculine people who have had a scrotoplasty – I’m actually not sure, but I also expect a standard male athletic cup wouldn’t be dysphoric, so maybe not an issue?
  • Trans feminine people (assigned male at birth) who have not had any lower surgery – rigid protection is required. A flat-fronted pelvic protector may be more gender-affirming and would be compliant with our rules if it covers you, but not everyone knows how to find one. I have provided links to some common ones aimed at cis women below, depending on your body they may or may not work. Hockey is a sport which seems to also require this.
  • Trans feminine people who have had an orchiectomy – no rigid protection required after you’re cleared to return to full-contact sports (this is changed as of 2024, in my understanding)
  • Trans feminine people who have had a vaginoplasty – no rigid protection required after you’re cleared to return to full-contact sports

Rigid chest protection for people with breasts is and remains optional.

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