USA Hockey Creates Open Classification for Adult Players While Complying with Trump Order and USOPC Rules on Women’s Sports

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee rules and an executive order from President Donald Trump to save women’s sports.

The committee said USA Hockey then launched a new registration category called the open classification for adult hockey. The open classification provides a flexible participation pathway for any registered USA Hockey member regardless of sex or gender identity, according to the committee.

The committee added that the category is specifically meant for transgender athletes to compete in female sports.

The committee reported that USA Hockey leadership encourages women’s leagues and tournaments to continue marketing themselves as being for women while adding that the divisions are inclusive of male athletes. Through this approach, men who identify as women can participate in leagues marketed as women’s leagues, the committee said.

The Dallas Stars Women’s Hockey League in Texas began its spring season in April 2026 after USA Hockey’s updated policy took effect.

Multiple men who identify as women are playing in the league, the committee stated. USA Hockey is aware of the participation and has done nothing to prevent the men from continuing, the committee said. Women who joined the Dallas league specifically to avoid competing against men are now forced to compete against men if they want to play, according to the committee.

Months after USA Hockey received complaints about trans women playing in a Dallas women’s league, the league was suspended and replaced with an open league to provide a league experience that all can enjoy, the committee reported. The committee said this means there is no longer a Dallas league dedicated solely to women.