# 6 Controversial Beach Volleyball Headlines Spanking For Luck & More By Alex Covert | Published 2008-08-20 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spanking-for-luck-and-5-other-womens-beach-volleyball-headlines References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com/alexcovert) [Spanking For Luck!](http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/11/georgebush.olympics2008) - Made apparent by U.S. President Bush as this photo shows, is the beach volleyball tradition for players to slap one another’s behinds after a successful point. It’s good to be President! [Is Beach Volleyball Really A Sport?](http://www.slate.com/id/2197511/) - What? It’s in the Olympics. It has to be a sport, right? Slate.com argues that beach volleyball is NOT a sport. They argue that the women wear bikinis (it is BEACH volleyball - what do you wear to the beach?), have cheerleaders (Um… I think you call them FANS), and pat each other on the butts (seen it in Pro football, baseball, and basketball). [War On The Volleyball Court!](http://www.236.com/news/2008/08/13/georgia_strikes_back_at_russia_1_8274.php) - In a tribute to the victims of Russia’s military blitz, the country of Georgia strikes back with a defeat in women’s beach volleyball in the Beijing Olympics. [Too Much Skin?](http://www.asylum.com/2008/08/06/the-most-egregious-beach-volleyball-photography/) - As asylum.com points out, popular media outlets are using beach volleyball coverage as an excuse to show some skin and improve ratings. They go on to say that [NBCOlympics.com](http://www.nbcolympics.com/beachvolleyball/photos/galleryid=122861.html) covered a story on the hand signals of beach volleyball and never offered information on the meanings of the hand signals - just close-ups of well-tanned bums. [Who’s Wearing What?](http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/08/14/in-beach-volleyball-why-do-men-wear-shirts-and-women-wear-bikin/) - In beach volleyball, why do men wear shirts and women wear bikinis? 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Holly McPeak says, “Women choose to wear a two piece bathing suit because it is the least restrictive uniform possible.” and for men, “...the governing international body for the sport prefers a cleaner look with their country, names and numbers on their shirts.” Not the answer I would have given… but, there you have it. [Strange Body Taping](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keeping-beijings-olympians-together-kinesiology-tape) - What is that thing on Kerri Walsh’s right shoulder? No, it’s not a tattoo. Turns out, it’s Kinesio tape. It helps support the rotator cuff and other muscles of the shoulder to keep the shoulder from becoming impinged. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Controversial Beach Volleyball Traditions:** The controversial traditions of beach volleyball, such as spanking each other after a successful point, are an opportunity for companies to develop new protocols for respectful celebrations. - **The Objectification of Female Beach Volleyball Players:** The scrutiny of female beach volleyball players' attire and body appearance is a trend that presents an opportunity for companies to develop inclusive, empowering marketing strategies for athletes. - **Backlash Against the Media's Portrayal of Beach Volleyball Players:** As the media frequently objectifies beach volleyball players, there is an opportunity for media companies to disrupt current norms by showcasing them as accomplished athletes with expertise in their sport. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletics:** The athletics industry has the opportunity to provide inclusive training programs that educate players on appropriate actions post-match and eliminate violent or objectifying traditions. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising industries can create empowering and skill-focused campaigns that position female beach volleyball players as competent athletes. - **Media and Entertainment:** The media and entertainment industry can disrupt current norms surrounding photos and videos of beach volleyball players that rely solely on their appearance, showcasing them as skilled, accomplished athletes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Volleyball Loungewear Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lovb.md) - [Upcycled Volleyball Trophies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volleyball-trophy.md) - [Volleyball-Specific Athletic Wear Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/league-one-volleyball.md) - [Desktop Miniature Sports Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desk-beach-volleyball.md) - [Athlete-Centric Bingo Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/share-your-bingo-moment.md) - [Collaborative Volleyball-Specific Workouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volleyball-workouts.md) - [Honest Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hillberg-berk1.md) - [Performance Pickleball Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stack-athletics.md) - [Performance Swimwear Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-athletic.md)