Pink has volunteered to pay a 1500€ (approx. AU$2400) penalty imposed on the Norwegian women’s beach handball team for defying sexist uniform requirements by wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms.
The Norwegian squad have broken uniform rules during the recent European Beach Handball Championships in Bulgaria, wearing what the European Handball Federation (EHF) describe as,
“improper clothing … shorts that are not according to the Athlete Uniform Regulations defined in the IHF Beach Handball Rules of the Game.”
Source: Junkee
According to the rules,
“Male athletes must wear shorts … Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms … with a close fit and cut on an upward angle towards the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimetres.”
Source: Junkee
Public Backlash
Pink has commended the squad for standing up to the sexist restrictions that regulate their dress, and the fine made international headlines.
In reaction to the public backlash, the EHF announced that the Norwegian Handball Federation has discussed the issue of uniforms at the EHF Congress in April, and that it will present ideas with the newly constituted Beach Handball Commission in August.
Three-time Grammy Award winner Pink has said on Twitter that she will cover the fee; chastising the organisation and urging the players to continue covering up.
I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”. The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.
— P!nk (@Pink) July 25, 2021
A New Wave of Feminism
In response to the outcry, the organisation has chosen to donate the cash to a well-known worldwide sports charity that promotes gender equality in sports.
This news comes at a time of female-identifying athletes defying uniform standards and assumptions; such as the German gymnast team in the Tokyo Olympics. The athletes are seen wearing full-length unitards during qualifications, which reach the ankle rather than the usual hip-high cut leotards.
Norwegian sports leaders have also been expressing displeasure over the sexist rules which dictate athletes dress codes. Eirik Sordahl, president of the Norwegian Volleyball Federation, says,
“In 2021, it shouldn’t even be an issue”
Source: France24
Team Norway sought the EHF for permission to play in shorts prior to the competition but were warned that violations of the regulations could result in sanctions. They were compliant until their last match. EHF spokesman Andrew Barringer says,
“The EHF is committed to bring this topic forward in the interest of its member federations, however it must also be said that a change of the rules can only happen at IHF level,”
Source: France24
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