Athletes on the Norwegian women’s beach handball team are being penalized for wearing shorts rather than bikini bottoms during a recent game. The European Handball Federation imposed fines of 150 euros per player (roughly $225), citing “a case of improper clothing.”
In a joint statement with the International Handball Federation, the officials said that “all efforts will be taken in order to further promote the sport. This includes the ideal presentation of the sport and, by that, includes the outfit of the players.”
The decision has been met with international ridicule and condemnation. Norway’s 10-member team says this is an important battle. They say bikini bottoms are inappropriate in a sport that constantly sees players diving into the sand. In addition, they have called the clothing requirement degrading to women.
I’m very proud to be a part of this,” Norway’s Martine Welfler said, welcoming the support her team has received. “This positive feedback is insane, and I can’t believe it, to be honest.”
Norway warned officials at the European Beach Handball Championship that its athletes would wear shorts rather than bikini bottoms when they faced Spain in a bronze-medal game. The Norwegians lost, but said they were proud to make a statement by playing in shorts instead of bikini bottoms.
The European and world governing bodies are suggesting that the uproar over the bikini bottoms is due to, essentially, fake news.
However, the International Handball Federation’s own regulations suggest otherwise. Current rules require men to wear shorts that fall no longer than 10 centimetres above their knees. But the rules for women are much more detailed, sexist, and revealing.
“Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms … with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg,” the rules state. “The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimetres.”
Female athletes’ uniforms will be a central topic for the newly established Beach Handball Commission, which will hold its first meeting next month.
