Beach Volleyball Uniform Regulations

Beach volleyball regulations and rules are nationally governed by USA Volleyball and internationally by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Olympic competitions operate under separate rules, thought the differences are often unremarkable. Beach volleyball uniforms, namely the women’s recognizable bikini, have sometimes become an issue of controversy and a target of exploitation questions. But despite the option to wear more, many female players choose to don the bikini for comfort and ease of movement.

  1. Clothing

    • According to USA Volleyball and FIVB, men’s and women’s uniforms are clean shorts or a clean bathing suit. A clean tank top or other jersey is optional and based on local competition regulations. A hat may also be worn if a player chooses. The rules also stipulate that players of the same team must wear the same uniform color and style.

    Footwear

    • Beach volleyball players are required to play barefoot, unless the referee authorizes otherwise.

    Numbers

    • Players must be numbered 1 and 2 during a beach volleyball competition. No other numbers are allowed. The numbers must be visible on a player’s top or bottom. In addition, the numbers must be in a different color from the uniform and at least four inches in height with a half inch-wide stripe forming the number.

    Referee Changes to Uniforms

    • Referees have the option of authorizing beach volleyball players to wear socks and/or shoes, to change wet uniforms between sets and to play in undershirts and training pants.

    Other items

    • Beach volleyball players cannot wear items that could potentially cause injury to another player, including jewelry, bobby pins, hair pieces with metal or casts. Players that wear glasses must choose to do so at their own risk.