On Sunday, July 18, 2021, the Norwegian woman’s beach handball team played their game against Spain wearing tight spandex shorts and sport bras.

On Monday, July 19, 2021, the European Handball Federation’s disciplinary commission fined each of the 10 team’s players, totalling €1,500 (over $2,500CAD) for the team, for wearing “improper clothing “. Now, maybe you are thinking that they were fined for being too scantily clad, or showing their midriffs, but no. They were fined for being too covered up.

The team had initially requested the uniform change, voicing that the required bikini bottoms and sports bra were uncomfortable while playing this physically demanding game. Their request was denied.

The European Handball Federation Handbook states, “Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms that are in accordance with the enclosed graph, with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimetres”. On the other hand, the male athletes are required to wear shorts, “if not too baggy, can be longer but must remain 10 centimetres above the kneecap”.

Norway’s Handball Federation stands behind the team’s decision and supports them in trying to change the handbook’s rules.

Why should the uniform requirements be so different, when they are playing the exact same game? This is extremely sexist and against women’s rights. These women should be allowed to play in comfortable uniform, as the men are. This rule should not exist in this day and age.

Please sign this petition to change the International Handbook Federation‘s handbook rules to allow women to wear shorts and tank tops. 

International Handball Federation Rules of the Game:
https://www.ihf.info/sites/default/files/2019-05/0_09%20-%20Rules%20of%20the%20Game%20%28Beach%20Handball%29_GB.pdf