Volleyball Federation Doctor Wants Stricter Rules for Transgender Players

01/19/2018 - 11h18

Now that transgender player Tifanny Abreu, 33, is in the spotlight of Brazil's Superliga, the country's top women's volleyball tournament, playing for team Volei Bauru, the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) will discuss, on Wednesday 24, during their medical commission meeting in Switzerland, the participation of transgender athletes in volleyball.

Brazilian doctor Bruno Borges, one of the six members of the commission, is going to suggest stricter controls and lower testosterone levels in their bloodstream to authorize such athletes.

"Their participation is strictly based on IOC's rules, seeing it is the only parameter we have, however, I believe their participation should not be determined only by that", said doctor João Grangeiro, also a member of the commission.

Tifanny started transitioning in 2012, by means of a treatment to reduce her testosterone levels. In 2014, she underwent a sex reassignment surgery.

Before that, she accumulated some trophies in men's volleyball. In Brazil, still playing as Rodrigo, she only played for 2nd division teams.

Tifanny is currently the top scorer of the women's Superliga, with an average of 23.3 points per match, ahead of Tandara, from Osasco's team and Brazil's national team, whose average is 20 points.

Her participation and performance in the tournament has been stirred up controversy among team leaders, coaches and players.

Brasília's team coach, Sérgio Negrão, stated he will submit a proposal to the CBV (Brazilian Volleyball Confederation) for the creation of an alternative league for transgender athletes.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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	Neide Carlos/Vôlei Bauru
	Transgender player Tifanny Abreu