The NSAA oversees athletics and general activities for many public and private schools in the state. The association implemented its Gender Participation Policy in January 2016 and pushed back against a “sex at birth” rule that same year supported by former Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Transgender students wishing to utilize the outlined procedures must follow these steps:

Provide written notice to their home school that will determine whether the student meets the NSAA’s activity eligibility standards.

Apply for participation with the NSAA and complete a Transgender Student Application.

Provide affirming information of the student’s gender identity and expression, such as credible documentation from parents, friends or teachers “affirming the actions, attitudes, dress and manner” of the student’s identity.

Submit written verification from an appropriate health care professional affirming the student’s identity.

The NSAA’s Gender Identity Eligibility Committee must review the student’s application and must unanimously approve it. A physician with experience in transgender health care; a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed mental health professional; a school administrator from a non-appealing school and an NSAA staff member compose the committee.

Transgender female students must also take one year of hormones or go through gender reassignment surgery, which will be banned for minors after Oct. 1, per LB 574.

Trans girls, in either case, must also demonstrate through a medical examination and physiological testing they do “not possess physical … or physiological advantages over genetic females of the same age group.”

This includes bone structure, muscle mass and testosterone hormonal levels.

Jay Bellar, current executive director of the NSAA, told the Examiner in January that five students have been approved for sports participation consistent with their gender identity since 2017. He could not be reached for comment this week on whether more students have used the policy in the past five months.