Ultimate pool bans transgender women from female category after UK court ruling

The Ultimate Pool Group (UPG) has officially banned transgender women from competing in its female category, citing a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling that defines “woman” strictly as biological sex.

The ruling, which came last week, has already begun to reshape sporting policies across the UK — and now, the professional 8-ball pool scene is feeling the impact.

In a newly released statement, UPG announced that its women’s events are now “open only to biologically born women,” effectively excluding transgender women from participating in female-only competitions. The move follows public protests earlier this month during the Women’s Pro Series final between Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith — both transgender players — which sparked heated debate within the pool community.

UPG defended its decision by pointing to “recent developments” and a scientific report it commissioned. According to the findings, cue sports like 8-ball pool are considered “gender-affected,” with claims that female players face unique disadvantages and that transgender women retain physical advantages typically associated with male biology.

The group stated that it “welcomes the clarity” from the UK’s highest court and is committed to fair play and integrity in its professional competitions.

Notably, the open category will remain available to all players, regardless of gender identity, allowing transgender athletes to continue competing — just not in the designated women’s category.

“We respect that some people within the pool community may find the changes challenging,” UPG said, while urging for empathy and respect across all sides of the ongoing debate.

The move is the latest in a growing wave of gender policy shifts in sports worldwide, as governing bodies grapple with balancing inclusivity, fairness, and legal definitions around sex and gender identity.

With cue sports now joining the list of competitions redefining their gender participation policies, the conversation around transgender inclusion in sports is likely far from over.