Softball rules changing for transgender players after coach cries foul

A ball sits in a glove during a spring training baseball workout. (David Goldman/AP)

EDMONTON — Softball Canada is rewriting an outdated policy for transgender players after an Edmonton coach raised concerns and quit.

Pete Howell says his step-daughter invited a 15-year-old transgender friend to play on a team he was to start coaching at the end of April.

League officials told him the transgender girl had to provide medical proof of gender reassignment before she would be allowed on the girls’ team.

Howell says he found the rule intrusive and complained.

Hugh Mitchener with Softball Canada says the organization was unaware that the federal government added gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Code last year.

He says a new policy that allows players to join the team they self-identify with will be in place for the upcoming softball season.

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