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It was, essentially, an order for the female athletes to show more skin: The Norwegian women’s beach handball team drew a fine for wearing shorts at the European championships last week, instead of sporting bikini bottoms that bare part of the derriere.
Their “improper clothing” failed to meet the European Handball Federation’s requirement that briefs have “a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.” Midriff-baring tops are required as well, though the team had those.
Sadly, that’s not an isolated example. International sports federations have for too long dictated stringent and nonsensical rules for women about what they may or may not wear during competition. Some women’s teams are wearying of high-cut leotards, bathing suits and midriff-baring (or covering) uniforms. Men are typically given more leeway and more choices.