Harriet Haynes, a trans pool champion, who is amongst the top 10 best players in the women’s competition, is taking legal action against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) after she was banned from playing in women’s tournaments.
Ms Haynes, who was left stunned by the surprise decision, said: “All I’ve ever wanted is to be able to play like any other woman.“
The EBPF organises county competitions around the country, which are broken up into categories for women and men, as well as for various age groups. In August 2023, the body announced that ladies’ events would only be open to people who were born female, in a move they said was intended to make sure that the game was played with “equality and fairness for all”.
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Ms Haynes criticised EBPF’s actions, telling The Independent: “I was at the EBPF tournament the day before the ban was announced. Absolutely nothing was mentioned.”
Ms Haynes is now bringing legal action against the sports body saying that she has been discriminated against because of her protected characteristic, namely her gender reassignment.
The landmark case is expected to be heard in April next year. Ms Haynes has already had a promising career in the sport, leading her to be ranked ninth in the world.
Speaking about the impact of the EBPF’s ban on her career, Ms Haynes said: “After the decisions were announced on social media, I was beyond stunned and saddened. My hobby and passion which meant so much to me was taken from me practically overnight.”
