PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota High School Activities Association has taken the first step to change its policy on transgender student participation in athletics amid concerns among state lawmakers about the rules.

The association's board of directors gave first approval Thursday to the revisions, which would be finalized at a later meeting.

The policy provides a way for transgender students to request to participate on the team reflecting their gender identities.

Some lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to void the policy in 2015.

A legislative committee voted last week to prepare a proposal for the 2016 session to require that students play on the team matching the gender listed on their birth certificates.

Activities association board members in June directed further revisions to the presented policy, in part based on concerns from legislators.

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