Finally a victory for common sense. After much debate, the Scottish FA are to ban transgender women from competing in women’s football from next season, a ruling which will bring both clarity and focus to a space riddled with vitriol and confusion. Only those born biologically female will be allowed to take part in competitive matches in the women’s game in Scotland, meaning those who identify as female, but who have gone through male puberty or lowered their testosterone, will have to find a home elsewhere. At present, transgender women can compete in the Scottish game, but only on a case-by-case basis, and with testosterone levels take into account. The new policy will see a ban on all trans women players from Under-13 level and upwards in the women’s game. No ifs, no buts. Undoubtedly, this will go down like a lead balloon with those who back men playing in women’s sports. Some will call the move ‘transphobic’, and some will say it goes against the rights of trans women who want to continue to play football. Let’s be clear, however. This isn’t about being ‘anti trans’, or discriminatory. As women’s sport grows in popularity and prominence, this is a hugely important issue that can no longer be swept aside as a grievance or a matter that can be worked out in a cabin by the sidelines. It’s about fairness, safety, finance and sponsorship, the rights of sportswomen, and - importantly - a move in line with the recent Supreme Court ruling that says a ‘woman’ is someone who was born biologically female. It feels like an eminently sensible step, which should hopefully put an end to some of the anger meted out towards authorities who fail to take a clear and concise line on the matter. Why it didn’t happen sooner is a pertinent question. Sports such as athletics, swimming and rugby were relatively quick to show their hands on the matter, banning trans women from competing against biological females. So why has football lagged behind? Mail Sport understands the SFA have actually been looking at this over the course of the last two years. The recent Supreme Court ruling was the final catalyst for change. The English FA, on the other hand, appear to have tied themselves in knots, with their recent policy - released before the Supreme Court ruling - somehow raising more questions than answers. Transgender women can compete in the women’s game if their testosterone levels meet the correct standards and if they are assessed by a match observer. FA rules state: ‘Where there is an issue about a player’s eligibility, efforts will always be made to resolve it through dialogue between the player, the county FA and the FA.’ Sorry, what? How, exactly, does this provide any real clarity - and how do clubs and individuals work through this in any sensible, effective way? The reality is that sport - by its very nature - must function on clear and concise regulations at organisational level. Otherwise, it will forever lay itself open to scrutiny. That’s not to say there won’t still be elements of concern despite the SFA’s move. Mail Sport understands, for example, that there has been a rise in complaints to Scottish women’s football around females who are being mistaken for males. What leagues won’t want is for those complaints to rise even further. Trans women playing recreational football, who are not registered with the SFA, should also not be polarised. Maybe, in future, an open category should be introduced, so that trans women can compete on their own merits. The fact that no trans woman currently plays in the Scottish leagues, however, would point to a lack of demand. So how does the SFA move forward on the matter? A sensible conversation now needs to take place between the trans community and the Scottish FA, so that authorities have a clear idea on how challenges can be overcome. As of yet, there is still much to be discussed, and others views should be wholeheartedly welcomed. In the meantime, the foundations have at least been laid for women playing the game in Scotland. It remains to be seen whether other sports will now follow the SFA’s lead.