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Some Obscure (And Bizarre) Rules Olympians Must Follow

When it comes to conduct on and off the field, there are Olympic rules athletes have to follow, and some are next level obscure.


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Shoes: While shoes are almost always worn by athletes competing in track and field events, they're not required. But there are rules about the shoes.


Nail Varnish: While gymnasts can wear colourful makeup, bright nail polish is a no-go. It's either neutral or none at all for these athletes.


Toe Nails: Water polo athletes have to clip their toenails in order to avoid some nasty scratches under water. Furthermore, they are not allowed to oil up before matches.


Socks: When it comes to Olympic cycling, there's also a strange uniform rule. Socks can't be higher than mid-calf.


Spromotion: Athletes can have endorsements and get paid for them, but during the Games athletes are limited to one message for each personal sponsor per event; one message per sponsor on any one day; three messages per sponsor throughout the Games; and a maximum of ten 'thank you' messages per athlete throughout the Games period.


Skaters: Men must wear trousers whilst women can wear a variety of costumes including trousers, leggings, skirts, dresses, and unitards. Clothing for female figure skaters 'cannot give the effect of excessive nudity'. That's exactly why you see so flesh-toned panels - to give the illusion of skin without breaking rules.


Basketball: Dunking is allowed but players aren't allowed to hang onto the hoop after doing so.


Rhythmic Gymnastics: Throw that hoop or ribbon too high in rhythmic gymnastics, and that's too bad. Props can't be retrieved during a routine, and athletes must keep going without them - even if their hoop is in a rafter.


Pay to Challenge: If a team believes a score is unfair, gymnasts' coaches have four minutes and must pay $300 to have it re-evaluated. If the challenge overturns scoring, the team gets their money back. If it's not, the cash goes to charity.


Wrestlers: Olympic wrestlers have to wear a cloth handkerchief somewhere in their uniform called a 'bleeder' or 'bloodrag'. Yes, it is used to clean up any bleeding from competition or to mop the mat of any bodily fluids.


Beach Volleyball: If teams show up in the same colour, a coin toss gets to decide who has to change.


 
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