Overview

• The Ultimate Pool Group updated its eligibility rules to restrict participation in women’s events to biologically born women, starting April 23, 2025.
• The UK Supreme Court recently ruled that a Gender Recognition Certificate does not change a person’s legal sex under the Equality Act 2010, providing legal clarity for such policies.
• An expert report commissioned by UPG concluded that eight-ball pool is a gender-affected sport, with transgender women retaining male advantages in cue sports.
• The policy change follows controversy over a recent women’s pool final where two transgender women competed, sparking protests and legal challenges.
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned sports organizations to comply with the clarified legal framework or face enforcement action.