Rugby referees in the UK would rather quit their jobs rather than watch male players who identify as females injure and maim actual female players. The Sunday Times reported that the fear of “being sued as more men claim to be women join the women’s leagues and end up hurting natural-born female contestants with their strength and speed” has led to their decision to resign rather than take the liability.
The refs also report that they have been warned not to question even bearded men for fear of being seen as non-inclusive. Women’s rugby does have a testosterone limit, but instead of testing the participants, refs are told to take the transgender athletes at their word.
Referees would not speak on the record but instead shared their concerns with the Times anonymously. One said, “being forced to prioritize hurt feelings over broken bones exposes me to personal litigation from female players who have been harmed by players who are biologically male. This is driving female players and referees out of the game.” Another said he is tired of being called a “bigot” for doing his job and questioning the male athletes.
Kelly Morgan, a biological male who plays on a women’s team, is hurting his own teammates, the BBC reported “She’s going to be a good, good player for the next few years,” said Brian Minty, Porth Harlequin coach, “as long as we can stop her injuring players in training.”