The California Interscholastic Federation announced follow-up procedures to its pilot entry process for the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, clarifying how additional entries for biological female student-athletes in select events will be handled and also changing the rules for awarding medals.

The update comes amid national attention and political commentary on transgender athletes, including remarks from President Donald Trump.

The championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

CIF Released Additional Statement

CIF released this statement Wednesday:

“As a follow-up to the May 27 announcement regarding the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championship pilot entry process, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) addresses the following steps taken this past weekend and what will occur moving forward:

“At the conclusion of the high jump, triple jump and long jump events at the CIF/Southern Section Masters Meet on Saturday, May 24, biological female student-athletes who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries in the CIF State meet, and did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark in the finals at their Section meet, was extended an opportunity to participate in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships. These additional entries were included in the track and field state meet performance lists posted on www.cifstate.org on Sunday, May 25.

“On Friday, May, 30, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump qualifying events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark will also be advanced to the finals.

“Additionally, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned a specific placement on the podium will also be awarded the medal for that place and the results will be reflected in the recording of the event.

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law and Education Code. We now turn our attention to the 1,533 student-athletes participating in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships.”

Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis) responded to these changes saying, “CIF’s actions are a quiet admission that something is seriously wrong. Changing the rules during championship weekend to “comply” with Title IX by shifting placements mid-race is absurd.”

“If a biological male wins, they get first — and then another athlete is bumped up? What if they finish second? A female athlete will still lose her spot on the podium,” Tangipa said. “This isn’t fairness. It’s chaos. And it’s failing every female athlete.”

Local Leaders to Hold News Conference 

A group of state and local leaders is set to hold a news conference Thursday in Clovis to condemn the CIF’s decision to allow a transgender person to compete in three girls’ events at  the championships.

Led by Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pearce, the coalition says the move violates federal protections for women’s sports and could jeopardize California’s federal funding. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Speakers will include state legislators, Fresno County supervisors, school board members, and advocacy groups.

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