Beach volleyball has been one of the most popular sports at the Summer Games since its introduction to the Olympics. The fast-paced action and party atmosphere give the sport an appeal that few can ignore. Although this sport is an exciting affair, it has attracted a lot of attention not because of the game itself but because of the uniform.
Most women playing beach volleyball in the Olympics wear the bikini as their uniform. And that’s not a problem for the players, who believe that those who watch the sport remain fans. The fame of women’s sport is such that few people know that men’s beach volleyball is an Olympic discipline.
At the same time, some find the uniform offensive and a way of asserting a claim to freedom that limits them to wearing a certain type of clothing. While there has been a lot of speculation recently, what do the rules say?
What rules apply to the beach volleyball uniform?
Before the Olympic Games in TokyoTHE International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) released 22-page guidelines to establish uniform protocols covering everything. From fabric and color to names, numbers and sizes of manufacturers’ logos, the government agency has spelled out every last detail in its guidelines.
It included an appendix with drawings of possible styles for women. The appendix included short sleeves and tank tops, long sleeves for modesty and warmth, long pants and shorts, and a one-piece swimsuit or bikini. There are no restrictions on the clothing an athlete, especially a woman, can wear.
“The FIVB guidelines on beach volleyball uniforms allow for a variety of different options,” the international federation said. “Beach volleyball is open to all and these uniform regulations ensure that our sport is culturally and religiously inclusive.”
Men wear tank tops and board shorts, which can be worn in cold weather over long-sleeved shirts and tights. Male athletes are even allowed to appear shirtless at national events, and many prefer to do so.
Why are bikinis so common among beach volleyball players?
The game has its roots in the Caribbean, and given the climate, the bikini has become the preferred outfit. Additionally, when an athlete wears long-sleeved clothing, they only serve as pockets to collect sand, which can cause chafing. Therefore, players prefer to wear clothes with less fabric that sand can get stuck in.
Beach volleyball matches take place in all weather conditions, including rain at the peak of Typhoon Nepartak, which wet the Skiokaze Park site this week. The Olympic Games took place in pouring rain in Beijing. In such cases, playing in a swimsuit is helpful. The same is true in extremely hot weather.
However, athletes can and do wear long-sleeved clothing. At the London Games, athletes wore leggings and long sleeves under their uniforms during the cooler nights. The Egyptians played at the Rio Olympics in long sleeves, loose tops, long legs and hijabs, showing the world that bikinis are not required to play the game you love.
Badminton at the Tokyo Olympics: PV Sindhu creates history and wins a second Olympic medal