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Soul Cap, an extra-large swimming cap from L to XXL size, was created to provide an alternative for swimmers with large hairstyles or dreadlocks. Since the cap was launched four years ago, more than 30,000 have been shipped out.

Following public criticism, Fina said it understood the importance of inclusivity and would revisit the decision.

Gymnastics

It’s not necessary for gymnasts to compete barefoot in gymnastics. The International Gymnastics Federation allows gymnasts to perform in socks, and some opt for it to help them with their turns and prevent sweating.

They can also wear nail polish, but mostly neutral colours to avoid creating distraction for judges.

Water Polo

Water polo players might want to think about strengthening their relationship with their manicurists because their fingernails and toenails are checked by officials prior to each match. Nails must be filed down so players can avoid hurting others and themselves through nasty scratches and scrapes against the pool floor.

“Acts of brutality” such as kicking or elbowing are also not allowed, as is grabbing an opponent’s crotch.

Fencing

Fencers have traditionally worn white clothing because touches were recorded on the surface of their opponent’s clothing through ink-soaked cotton on weapon tips. Now, with electronic scoring, fencers are permitted to wear clothing of any colour except black.

Clothing, however, must be made entirely of material that is able to withstand a significant amount of force. Jackets, under-plastrons, breeches and trousers must be able to resist 800 Newtons of pressure (nearly 82kg of force), while the bib of the mask must be able to resist 1,600 Newtons (163kg of force).

Wrestling

In what appears to be a testament to the decisiveness typically required in sports, wrestlers must either be closely shaven or have a beard that has been grown for several months with no in-between. The reasoning is that short stubble may irritate an opponent’s skin. Competitors are forbidden from applying any greasy or sticky substance to their bodies, and this includes perspiring when arriving on the mat.

Each wrestler is also required to carry a handkerchief at all times. The “blood rag” is intended for exactly what it’s named for – to clean up any blood during the competition.

Track and Field

Running barefoot or with only one shoe in a competition sounds like a crazy idea but it’s actually allowed by the International Association of Athletics Federation.

Shoes provide athletes with protection and stability to the feet and a firm grip on the track. However, they cannot be constructed to give athletes any unfair advantage.

Beach Volleyball

A toss of the coin could determine which team has to change uniforms before a match. To avoid confusion, opposing teams have to wear uniforms of clearly contrasting colours.

One of the teams, decided by a draw, has to change their uniforms if they fail to fulfil the requirements. Therefore, each volleyball team needs to bring three sets of uniforms in different colours to the competition. There are also rules about the size of the clothes.

Karate

Karate, which is making its Olympic debut, is an art that holds its competitors to the highest standards of honour and etiquette, meaning that their appearances must not be lacking.

Hair and fingernails must be kept clean and cut to a short length that does not interfere with conduct. Competitors may be disqualified if the referee deems that a competitor’s hair is not clean enough.

Sailing

Sailors need to have all their clothing and equipment weighed prior to entering the waters. Following what seems like a normal process of doing laundry, the items are soaked in water and then left to dry freely on a hanging rack for one minute before being weighed.

Beyond typical clothing, sailors are also allowed to wear something else – a drinking container that has a capacity of at least one litre and weighs less than 1.5 kilograms when full for when thirst strikes.

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