A controversial rule governing women’s uniforms in beach handball has finally been changed following public outcry for change.
The International Handball Federation has officially changed its rules governing women’s uniforms following intense backlash from the global sporting community.
Back in July, Norway’s women’s beach handball team was fined for wearing bike shorts instead of bikini bottoms during the Euro 21 tournament in Spain.
The European Handball Federation handed down a ruling over what they described as “improper clothing,” claiming the shorts were not in accordance with uniform regulations.
The Disciplinary Commission decided to impose a fine of €150 ($AU240) per player, for a total of €1500 ($AU2409).
Meanwhile, male beach handball players are permitted to wear T-shirts and shorts.
The decision sparked global criticism, with critics demanding the women’s uniform requirements were not practical.
Australian volleyball player, Talitha Stone, led the global campaign for change by launching a change.com.org petition in July which has attracted over 61,000 signatures.
In her petition, Talitha stated: “As an Aussie sports-loving woman living in Norway, I am really disturbed to see the Norwegian women’s beach handball team fined for not playing in bikinis.”
She continued by explaining how her male counterparts play in tank tops and long shorts, whilst female athletes are punished by being forced to wear an outfit that exposes them to potential unwanted comments and sexual harassment.
The International Handball Federation has now updated its official beach Handball Rules to mandate shorts for female players, The new tank and shorts uniform combination replaces the previously mandated crop tops and bikini bottoms.
“I hope this is the beginning of the end of sexism and objectification of women and girls in
sport, and that in future all women and girls will be free to participate in sport without fear
of wardrobe malfunctions and sexual harassment,” said Talitha.
The new uniforms which allows athletes to be dressed in a way that suits performance and comfort will be unveiled at the next international meeting, scheduled for 2022.
Follow the Australian Beach Handball team Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest news in the game.
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