In an update to its terms and conditions, UPD said that it “has been caught in a vacuum of uncertainty surrounding the issue of eligibility to participate in its women’s series”.
Last year, one of Britain’s top female pool players said she turned down a first ever professional contract because she believes transgender women have an unfair competitive advantage.
In August 2023, governing body the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) and its promoters UPG, said transgender players would not be able to play against “naturally-born women” but that decision was then reversed.
Pinches then staged a protest by conceding the Women’s Champion of Champions tournament to transgender opponent Haynes in Prestatyn.
Haynes argued transgender players have competed in female categories for 20 years, and that there was no categoric evidence they have an advantage in cue sports.
She has taken legal action against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF), which has also banned transgender women competing in female categories.
Pinches said she was part of a group of players launching their own legal action against the WEPF and UPG over rules forcing them to play transgender women.
UPG has now become the first sports body to amend its rules in the wake of last week’s judgment by the Supreme Court.
“The Equality and Human Rights Commission chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner has confirmed that the ruling has brought clarity and that trans women cannot take part in women’s sport and that the EHRC would pursue organisations which do not update their policies” it said.
“UPG welcomes the clarity which this judgment brings.”
It said the ruling – along with the findings of the “detailed and comprehensive experts report” it commissioned – meant “it is necessary for UPG to amend its eligibility policy for participation in the women’s series and international events”.
It added: “With effect from 23 April 2025 trans women will not be eligible to participate in the women’s series nor will trans women be eligible to be selected for international events in the female category.”
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