Urban Rec Gender Inclusion Policy

Urban Rec is committed to providing an environment where all participants feel safe, welcome, and respected regardless of gender identity or gender expression. This policy outlines how Urban Rec supports inclusive participation while maintaining a co-ed structure that ensures equitable representation for all our leagues.

This policy applies to all Urban Rec participants, team captains, staff, officials, volunteers, and spectators at all Urban Rec programs, leagues, and events.

Urban Rec welcomes players of all gender identities, including but not limited to:

  • Women (cisgender and transgender)
  • Men (cisgender and transgender)
  • Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, and other gender-diverse identities

Urban Rec affirms that a member’s gender identity is self declared by each participant through their Urban Rec profile. Urban Rec recognizes that gender expression does not necessarily correlate to identity and that either may change over time. A member’s gender identity may be updated by the participant at any time - Urban Rec does not set deadlines, verification requirements, or limitations on gender identity updates.

  • Trans women are women
  • Trans men are men
  • Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, and other gender-diverse people belong in our leagues and are encouraged to participate fully

All participants have the right to be addressed and recognized in alignment with their self-identified gender.

Roster Composition Rules in Urban Rec Co-Ed Sports

Each Urban Rec league specifies the minimum-gender requirements to support a balanced, co-ed and equitable representation in gameplay. These requirements are not intended to exclude gender-diverse participants, but rather to prevent single-gender dominance on the field of play. 

For leagues with minimum-gender rules:

  • Players who identify as women (including transgender women) count toward the minimum number of women required
  • Players who identify as men (including transgender men) count toward the minimum number of men required
  • Players who identify as two-spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, and other gender-diverse expressions are fully welcome to participate in any open position and contribute fully to play! They are not assigned to the “man” or “woman” category for minimum-rule purposes unless they choose to identify within those categories.

Gender-minimum rules exist to:

  • Encourage equitable representation
  • Promote diverse participation
  • Protect the co-ed recreation model at the heart of Urban Rec’s mission

They are not a comment on anyone’s identity, nor do they limit a player’s ability to join, participate, or compete.

Any concerns related to roster compliance or eligibility must be directed to Urban Rec staff and not addressed during gameplay.

Inclusive Participation Accommodations

Urban Rec will work with teams and individuals to support:

  • Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, and other gender-diverse people joining teams
  • Inclusive roster management
  • Clarifying how minimum-gender rules apply in specific leagues
  • Ensuring no participant is excluded from play due to gender identity

We encourage captains to foster an inclusive team environment and to contact Urban Rec staff when guidance is required.

Player Privacy and Respect

Urban Rec staff, Team Captains, and all participants must:

  • Respect each participant’s stated gender identity
  • Avoid intrusive questions
  • Never require proof of gender
  • Uphold confidentiality related to gender identity or personal information

We ask that all participants be mindful of other people’s genders based on appearance, and to use neutral/non-gendered language to refer to players (Example - Referring to someone by their position or number instead of ‘him or her’).

Any issues related to misgendering, harassment, or discrimination are handled under the Urban Rec Respectful Conduct & Anti-Harassment Policy.

Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion based on gender identity or expression will not be tolerated.
Violations may result in:

Questions and Requests for Clarification

Participants with questions about this policy, league rules, or how minimum-gender requirements apply in their sport are encouraged to contact Urban Rec:

[email protected]
604-879-9800
www.urbanrec.ca

Urban Rec is committed to ongoing learning, community feedback, and continuous improvement in creating welcoming sports environments for all. Urban Rec believes sport is for everyone. Inclusion, fairness, and respect are core to our community and essential to the recreational experience we aim to provide.