Professional beach handball players forced to take off their shorts to play in bikinis

During the European Beach Handball Championship in Bulgaria, the Norwegian delegation was threatened with a fine of more than 4,000 euros if it decided to have its women’s team play in shorts. The male players, however, are entitled to it.

Ended on July 18, 2021 with a victory for Germany over Denmark, the Euro Beach Handball Women has been talked about following a desire by several delegations to change the regulations. Indeed, the latter imposes a certain uniform on the players.

“Women should wear a tight sports bra with openings at the arms. The bottom should consist of a bikini that should be no more than 10cm at the sides.” according to the official dress code of the federation.

However, the players from Norway, who did not reach the final, have been campaigning for several years to be able to wear something other than tiny swimming trunks. They had in fact planned to wear a cyclist in flexible material reaching them above the knee.

According to sportswomen, bikini bottoms are way too short, hyper-sexualizing and very uncomfortable when they have their period. A Twitter post published by the European Handball Federation itself confirms their claims. In the caption of photos of players in the middle of a match, the federation indicates “It’s hot today in Varna.” An unequivocal allusion that sexualizes the body of these women who just do their job as high-level athletes.

4,850 euros fine for shorts

The players in question were even prepared to pay a fine for their violation of the rules to be able to play in shorts. But as their game against Hungary drew near, things got more complicated.

“First we were informed of a fine of 50 euros per person per game, for a total of 4.850 euros that we were prepared to pay”, indicates player Katinka Haltvik to the Norwegian national media NRK. “But just before the game we were told we would be disqualified because of the shorts. We had to change and wear bikini bottoms to be able to play.”

Comments denied by the Federation which explains that it only mentioned the fines and not a possible disqualification.

France, in solidarity with Norwegian players

In France, the coach of the national hand team, Valérie Nicolas, has supported the Norwegian delegation and has already planned to join Sweden and Denmark to write a letter to the Federation and demand a change. “I have lost players because of this compulsory swimsuit. They tell me about their discomfort, they have the impression of being naked in public and scrutinized by everyone. It is a sport with a lot of movement. that are hampered by the bikini. There is also an awkwardness related to the rules and of course to religion. “

Discriminating criteria that automatically eliminate women who might be interested in beach handball. On the men’s side, shorts are not only allowed but mandatory. No tight-fitting briefs imposed on the horizon …

Dan Hastings

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