Female Beach Volleyball Uniforms Sport Management September 26 th, 2008

Issue The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) regulates the uniforms of Beach Volleyball Players as follows: –The top must fit closely to the body, with deep cutaway armholes on the back, upper chest and stomach (2 piece). –Bottom should be a close fit and be cut on an upward angle towards the top of the leg, with a maximum side width of 7cm.

Side Issue Shots of Female Beach Volleyball players used in the recent Beijing Summer Olympics were often of their backsides, giving serving targets.

The Public View Uniforms are too skimpy and pictures inappropriate, causing the sport to be sexualized and female athletes being degraded. Uniforms are too skimpy and pictures inappropriate, causing the sport to be sexualized and female athletes being degraded. Unfair that athletes are regulated to wear a specific swimsuit. Gap between male and female athletes being widened. Promoters trying too hard to sell the sport through other means besides athletic talent.

Athletes View Uniforms allow for greater range of movement Avoid the trapping of sand against the body Male uniforms are also regulated One piece uniforms ARE available Exceptions have been made for religious reasons.

Female Organizations National Organization for Women: – Cannot comment on the competitive aspects of the suits, but feels that if athletes are uncomfortable they should speak for themselves. Women’s Sport Federation – If the females do not feel degraded or uncomfortable, there should be no issue.

My Opinion If the athletes are not uncomfortable then there shouldn’t be a discussion. If the athletes are not uncomfortable then there shouldn’t be a discussion. Wearing a bathing suit is part of the sport. The “Sex Sells” promotion may have been taken too far, but from a management perspective it brought in viewers. The women are healthy, successful, hard working athletes who are great role models.

Who is the better role model?

Discussion Questions Do you feel the beach volleyball uniforms should be regulated? Do you feel that the current uniforms are inappropriate? Did promoters and television channels go too far by using pictures of the serving signals from behind players?