Beach volleyball

Beach volleyball has evolved from the popular social games of volleyball played on many beaches around the world. This version, rather than being played on indoor hard courts, is played on sand courts, which are either formed naturally or built specifically for the purpose. Instead of a team of six, each team consists of only two players, but otherwise the rules are almost identical with some exceptions including:

Controversy

Since it's introduction as an Olympic sport in 1996, Beach Volleyball has been the target of a reasonable degree of criticism from some conservative groups as well as the governments of certain countries, particularly Islamic nations of the Middle East and South-East Asia.

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Many of these people argue that Beach Volleyball, and particularly the female aspect of the game, is too sexualized to be considered a truly respectable sport. People have pointed out that professional beach volleyball is one of the only sports where female athletes are mandated to wear a uniform which does not exceed a certain size, essentially taking a "less is better" approach towards female attire, and argue that it is simply a ploy to market the game for viewership and sponsors.

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In return, some people counter-argue that the sex appeal of beach volleyball is not entirely one-sided, as women also enjoy beach volleyball in order to watch fit and bare-chested men.

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In the 2004 Olympics, a DJ played music clips between sets while female dancers in short skirts performed. This and the requirement that women players wear more revealing clothing than the men led to accusations that the sport was less respectful than other Olympic events. In any case, beach volleyball at the Athens Olympics was a massive success, and some critics point out that the controversy may have even helped the sport become more popular.

Related Topics:
2004 Olympics - DJ

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