FEMALE beach volleyball players will be given the chance to dress more conservatively this summer after the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) introduced a new dress code.
The new code caters for different countries’ cultural or religious beliefs and could see players wearing shorts and long sleeves rather than skimpy bikinis.
Beach volleyball will be held on Horse Guards Parade, near to the Houses of Parliament, and has seen the government already spend �26,000 on 410 tickets for the event, more than for athletics.
The FIVB insist they are not trying to shed the sports’ sexy image but FIVB communications director Richard Baker said it was important that players had a choice.
“The athletes have had a choice a full body suit or the bikini and we have now expanded that choice even further to cater for religious or cultural reasons,” he said.
“We are not trying to steer away from a particular image, or trying to steer away from the bikinis, we are just trying to expand that choice to incorporate more nations.
“The new rules will take effect from now and include the London Olympics.”
The new rule permits shorts of a maximum length of 1.18 inches above the knee, and sleeved or sleeveless tops.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here