The Norwegian women's beach handball team has been fined $1,770 dollars for not wearing bikinis during a championship match in Bulgaria. The women athletes were taking a stand against what they feel is sexist requirements by the International Handball Federation. Male athletes are allowed to play in shorts and tank tops while the current rules only allow for women athletes to play in sports bras or midriff wearing tops and bikini bottoms as shown HERE on page 95 of the International Handball Federation's Rules of the Game.
The Norwegian Handball Federation completely has their women's team's back. According to the Norwegian federation, their athletes are allowed to wear what they want at home but when abroad they are subject to the international uniform regulations. Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio told NBC News that the women's team did petition to wear shorts earlier in the tournament but was threated by the European Handball Federation with a fine or disqualification. It was a last minute decision by the team to make a stand and wear the uniforms they were comfortable with which gained international attention. Pop singer Pink got wind of the women taking a stand and applauded them saying she'd even pay for their fine!
The Norwegian Handball Federation did not object to paying the fine as they are in support of their women's choice. After seeing so much publicity over the fines, the European Handball Federation put out a statement saying, "We are very much aware of the attention the topic has received over the past days, and while changes cannot happen overnight, we are fully committed that something good comes out of this situation right now which is why the EHF has donated the fine for a good cause promoting equality in sports."
How do you feel about the Norwegian women's handball team taking a stand? I'm in agreement with Pink on this one! I believe these women have a right to perform in an outfit they feel comfortable in and one that does not make them feel sexualized. If them are comfortable with the bikinis then that's great too but I think they should have the option. I'm not a professional handball player but I am a dancer and I know what it's like to wear outfits that are a little more flashy. I perform the best when I feel the best and most comfortable in my own skin with whatever costume I'm wearing. Now some dance outfits can show midriffs, be low cut, and have short bottoms so I know what it's like to be in sexualized outfits but for dance, there are times where that's part of the performance, it's sexy. Handball is not supposed to be sexy. I mean at least sexualized in the way that some dance is so that's the difference. Plus with dance there are other forms of dance and options if you don't want to be "sexy". With handball, there is only one option! I applaud the Norwegian women's handball team. They are athletes and women athletes do not need to be sexualized to the extent that they are. They should be taken seriously for their athletic perform and not just viewed as fit women looking good in bikinis despite if that's true.
-Producer Lightning