SA athletics bosses to tackle IAAF on Caster

The gloves are off in the Caster Semenya sex row.

After weeks of claiming that it was attempting to resolve amicably its dispute over the Semenya debacle with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Athletics South Africa (ASA) is now determined to launch a formal complaint against the organisation - which it accuses of violating its own policies.

"ASA will lodge a complaint regarding the conduct of the IAAF officials in Berlin, specifically in reference to a breach of its own rules regarding confidentiality," the organisation confirmed on Monday.

While it has been established that a "difference of opinion" has developed between the IAAF and ASA over how the Semenya matter should proceed, ASA general manager Molatelo Malehopo has refused to disclose the exact reasons for the spat.

The ASA insisted on monday that there had never been any official reason for Semenya to be sex-tested by the IAAF in Berlin, where she won gold in the 800m at the World Championships in August.

According to ASA, the IAAF's own policy on sex verification states that "there will be no compulsory, standard or regular gender verification during IAAF-sanctioned championships".

Further, it says, "if there is any suspicion, or if there is a challenge, then the athlete can be asked to attend a medical evaluation before a panel comprising a gynaecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal-medicine specialists and an expert on gender issues".

As no official complaint was made about Semenya, ASA strongly suggested that the Semenya sex testing had been irregular. This, it said, was why it was insisting on the IAAF apologising to Semenya, her family and the people of South Africa.

Vehemently denying that it had ever conducted sex testing on Semenya or received medical advice that she not be allowed to run, the ASA said it "first learnt about the alleged concerns regarding Ms Semenya two days before the start of the World Athletics Championships in Berlin".

"The ASA declined to withdraw Ms Semenya from the event because no official grounds existed to do so."

Asked whether Semenya would be participating in any national or international events prior to clarification being provided on her sex, ASA said: "The ASA strongly reiterates that no official grounds exist to prevent her participation in any sporting event."

Semenya is currently studying for her exams at the University of Pretoria.

According to the ASA, the young woman and her family had "asked the media to respect their privacy, and to allow her time and space to focus on preparing for her exams.

"This is not an unreasonable request when one considers her age, the sensitivity of the subject and the trauma she is subject to during this time."

Following an ASA resolution urging the IAAF to "refrain from communicating with the ASA through media statements and to use official communication channels", the IAAF has declined to make any more statements on the Semenya case until the federation's council meeting on November 21.