Women may play with men

Women can now play in men's senior football games in Auckland - but men can't play in women's matches.

New regulations from the Auckland Football Federation have changed the rules regarding what they call "gender crossover".

"Individual females" can play in senior men's competitions - if they get written dispensation.

Even whole teams of women can play in the men's competition, although the federation is insisting the squad would have to be listed by name and checked off.

But no blokes in the sheilas' leagues. There is also no mention made of rules covering swapping jerseys after the matches or shower etiquette.

In a note to clubs and footballers this week, the federation's Steven Upfold, says: "Up until now it would appear it has been generally accepted that men can't play in women's competitions and women can't play in men's competitions but that stance has never been embodied in regulations.

"Please note that under the amended regulations, women may still be allowed to play in men's football under certain circumstances. Men may not play in women's football."

Before anyone starts hunting for the phone number of the Human Rights Commission, the World Cup in South Africa should be considered.

Some alleged men playing there have been feigning injury, pirouetting and gracefully collapsing as if they were the dying swan of Swan Lake, as portrayed by the Bolshoi Ballet. All they lacked were tutus.

And maybe dispensation.