Over 31,000 rowers across the United Kingdom were asked to share their thoughts on British Rowing's approach towards trans and non-binary inclusion in competition in a move that appeared to be one of desperation and an attempt by the National Federation to wash its hands of making a decision that will affect transgender and female athletes.

As things stand, British Rowing rightfully believe that a trans or non-binary person should be able to participate in recreational rowing activities in their self-identified gender, free of discrimination or exclusion.

However, they are currently defying World Rowing when it comes to competition participation.

At the time of publishing their inclusion survey, Alastair Marks, the British Rowing chief executive said: "Following the publication of British Rowing's guidance on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion in Competition in September last year, British Rowing, as stated at the time, is undertaking a review of its guidance within 12 months of its publication. 

"Since that time World Rowing has also updated its bye-laws on this subject.

"The survey published this week aims to seek the views of British Rowing members on a number of, but not exclusive to, options under consideration that will inform the direction that we take next."

As per British Rowing, any trans or non-binary person, whose gender identity was not female at birth, who wishes to compete in the women's category in domestic competition must have:

"Medical evidence to show that the individual’s serum testosterone concentration has been less than 5 nmol/L continuously for a period of at least the previous 12 months. 

"Individuals will be expected to maintain this level for as long as they wish to compete and may be subject to spot checks from time to time.

"Medical evidence to show the individual has undergone surgery for the purpose of transitioning and therefore does not need to undergo hormone treatment."

As per World Rowing, who updated their bye-laws earlier this year: "A rower who was identified as an assigned woman and/or female at the time of the rower’s birth and did not transition to any other gender than woman by the time that the rower reached puberty shall, unless the Executive Committee determines otherwise, be eligible to compete as a woman. 

"All other rowers can row in the men’s events.

"One criterium in case of a gender transition is that the rower's serum testosterone concentration has been less than 2.5 nmol/L continuously for a period of at least the previous 24 months."

With cries seemingly coming from many members of the rowing community, but also beyond the sport, British Rowing find themselves not just disconnected from their membership but misaligned with their own International Federation which is a dangerous position to be in, leading to anger and confusion.

However, one advantage that British Rowing have over sports such as cycling, whose National Federation recently announced they would bar transgender women from competing in the female category, is that an 'open' racing category is already recognised and widely used up and down the country. 

It is a category I have raced in as long as I can remember whilst have been involved with the sport. 

This allows for a trans or non-binary person who wishes to compete to be able to self-identify without the need for further information or evidence.

While the trans and non-binary rowing community is small, the amount of toxic abuse these people have received as a result of delayed decision-making from British Rowing is disgusting.

Yes, the sport is open to everyone at a recreational level but who in their right mind is going to cross the threshold of a rowing club after reading comments that brandish trans women as cheats and failed athletes who simply could not cut it in the male events?

For a National Federation that wants to promote the positive impact of sport by providing an enjoyable experience for all participants, they are falling short of protecting individuals who turn to rowing and the safe environment that it is supposed to provide. 

After all, British Rowing have front and centre on their strategic vision that rowing is everyone's sport.

One cannot enter this raging debate and share their opinions about transgender participation in sports without being branded anti-trans or seen as standing against women's sports. 

There is no middle ground when on trial by the public.

At this point, it is worth noting that fairness in competition differs across all elite sports. 

Just because one sport adopts a certain policy does not make it right across a plethora of other disciplines. 

However, what the public demands and what should be given to them is transparent decision-making that follows scientific advice that is best for the longevity and integrity of sport.

If the science indicates a competitive advantage for trans women competing in female events, then this must be curtailed. 

Besides, look at the outrage when someone unethically gains an advantage through performance-enhancing drugs. 

After all, testosterone boosters fall under the category of anabolic agents and are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

British Rowing is shying away from making a decision that impacts almost half of its membership. 

This lack of awareness of the patience lost in the disgruntled membership is nigh on unfixable in a time where the sport is already struggling to stay relevant on the Olympic stage.

World Rowing's ability to make a decision, right or wrong, has followed scientific guidance that was presented to them. 

It’s a decision that has received significant backlash as it still allows trans women to compete in the female category, but it’s a decision nonetheless.

If British Rowing are so concerned about fairness, then the open category remains a viable option for trans and non-binary athletes to compete in while more consultation is done. 

What is frustrating and disappointing is that feedback has been gathered but the National Federation refuses to move from their stagnant position.