Volleyball Analytical Essay
somewhat uncomfortable wearing the uniform, just from the amount of time they spend adjusting their uniform (Kirk D. 2002 Human Kinetics).
There was serious debate before the 2000 Olympics in Sydney when the IVF (International Volleyball Federation) tried to introduce regulations on women’s uniforms stating that: “athletes must wear two piece bikinis with low cut tops at the front and back, and bottoms no wider than 6cm at the sides”.
Obviously those women who have a less “desirable” or perfect body will feel even more uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing the overtly revealing uniform, and this undoubtedly in some cases, could prevent some women from participating in beach volleyball. It could be strongly argued that those women who do continue to participate would be left comparing themselves and their bodies to their fellow team-mates and opponents.
The media can also be blamed for adding to the problems experienced by women regarding their body image through their strong focus on women’s beach volleyball uniforms. A lot of the advertising material used in beach volleyball advertising contains a high proportion of female athletes, and the pictures of these females are rarely of them during game time. The pictures are normally taken of women when they are standing still. Officials can also be blamed for exploiting the female athletes purely for their bodies, The former CEO of Volleyball Australia was quoted in saying that “If we can show off these bodies at the same time as presenting our sport then we are going to do that” (Borrie J. 2000, Sexploitation).
On the other hand the men of the game have very little to worry about as they are not forced to wear any tight fitting or revealing uniforms. This rule seems to be overtly biased towards selling the game towards a male audience, while at the same time, objectifying the female gender.
There needs to be serious research and inquiry into the game of beach volleyball and what its participants would like to be changed if any positive change is to be made. Both men and women players at all levels should be consulted and given a chance for their opinions and voices to be heard, particularly with regards to uniform. The obvious desirable outcome would be for a more equal rule regarding uniform, perhaps leading to the introduction of unisex rules, a uniform that can be adopted by both men and women.
The energetic and exciting atmosphere of the beach volleyball arenas around the world should not be detrimentally effected by these changes, whilst it should place a much stronger emphasis on the athletic ability of women rather than the purely physical attributes that have been exploited in the past.