A handball team from Norway has faced a fine for choosing to wear shorts during a match at the 2021 Euro tournament instead of the mandated bikinis. The team took a stand against what they deem to be unfair regulations requiring female athletes to wear revealing attire, while their male counterparts are permitted to don tank tops and shorts. Competing for a bronze medal against Spain, the Norwegian players opted for thigh-length elastic sports shorts as a statement against these unequal rules.
The president of the Norwegian handball federation has described the uniforms imposed on women as “embarrassing.” Despite this, the European Handball Association’s Disciplinary Commission imposed a fine of 1,500 Euros on the Norwegian team for “improper clothing.” According to the regulations set by the International Handball Federation, men can wear tank tops and loose-fitting shorts that extend no more than four inches above the knee, while women are required to wear tight-fitting tops and bikini bottoms designed to fit closely and angle upward toward the leg. This glaring double standard raises questions about the necessity of such clothing in relation to the performance of the teams.
Kåre Geir Lio, the Norwegian Handball Federation President, echoed these sentiments, stating that the clothing is not suitable for sand play, and noted that the team is free to wear what they like during training in Norway. However, they must conform to these outdated regulations at international tournaments.
At the beginning of the event, the Norwegian women’s team sought permission to wear their training shorts but were warned of possible fines or disqualification. Ultimately, they decided to wear the shorts as a form of protest during their match. Lio expressed his support, stating that he received a message shortly before the match indicating their decision to wear the clothing they felt comfortable in.
The team’s actions have received widespread praise online, highlighting the ongoing fight against the gender bias in sports attire. Norway has been advocating for changes in international rules regarding women’s handball attire since 2006, seeking to allow players the option to wear shorts.
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In summary, the Norwegian women’s handball team took a bold stand against sexist uniform regulations by wearing shorts instead of bikinis during an international match. Their protest has sparked a wider conversation about gender equality in sports attire and has garnered significant support.