Fax machines, groin grabbing and handkerchiefs, these are the most bizarre rules athletes must follow at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close, Daily Mail Australia looks back at the incredible achievements of more than 10,000 athletes who took part over 16 days.

These are the Olympic Games where breaksurfing and skateboarding are on the programme for the second time, along with sport climbing and 3×3 basketball.

While some things are new about the Paris Games, some traditional rules remain the same.

Amidst the excitement and fierce competition, athletes had to adhere to some strange rules that may surprise you. Here is a look at the strangest and most draconian, weird and downright unusual rules at the Olympics:

Boxers must be clean-shaven

Boxers must be clean-shaven or have very limited facial hair to ensure that cuts and injuries are easily visible for prompt medical attention and to reduce the risk of abrasions. However, a pencil moustache is permitted. This runs counter to the International Boxing Association, which lifted its ban on beards in 2023 after several religious groups campaigned for a rule change.

Gymnasts are not allowed to wear bright nail polish

While gymnasts can wear colorful makeup, bright nail polish is off-limits. They should stick to neutral tones or no nail polish at all to ensure that judges can see their natural nail color, which can be an indication of the gymnast’s health and circulation.

BMX riders must tuck in their shirts

To prevent their clothing from getting caught in the bike’s moving parts and to increase safety, BMX athletes are required to tuck in their jerseys, even if they match their pants. This is becoming largely unnecessary, with riders like Australian gold medalist Saya Sakakibara switching to leggings and bodysuits for that extra boost of speed.

Basketball players can’t hold the rim

Although dunking is allowed in Olympic basketball, players are not allowed to hang from the rim afterward. This rule is in place to prevent injuries and damage to equipment.

World swimming records must be sent by fax

It’s a funny thought that Ariarne Titmus would have to use a fax machine to set world records at the Olympics

This is probably the most bizarre rule of all. Despite technological advances, swimmers who set world records must still submit their records via fax. This process ensures that the record is verified by the sport’s governing body FINA before it is officially recorded. Most Australians had ditched the fax long before people like Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown were even born.

Karate participants must have clean hair

Karate referees have the authority to disqualify an athlete if his or her hair is not clean enough. Clean hair reduces the risk of transmitting infections and diseases during close-quarters combat. This is likely because karate made its long-awaited Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 during Covid protocols. It was scrapped for Paris, but is expected to return in the future.

Riders must remain quiet

During the 1932 Olympics, Swedish equestrian Bertil Sandstrom was punished by being demoted to last place for clicking his tongue. He claimed it was because of his saddle, and not because he was trying to control his horse. The IOC is also very strict about the proper treatment of horses in the run-up to the Olympics. Recently, former gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Games after a video surfaced of her repeatedly whipping a horse.

No groin grabbing in water polo

Water polo is a rough underwater sport, so rules are in place to stop cheap shots

Although water polo is a physically demanding sport, excessive force, including groin grabs, is strictly prohibited. The Australian Stingers, who will compete for the gold medal on Saturday night, even wear suits that are up to three times too small to prevent their opponents from destroying them.

Beach volleyball uniforms are determined by a coin toss

If beach volleyball teams appear in matching colors, a coin toss determines which team must change uniforms. However, the skimpy bikinis, which previously were limited to 7 cm at the sides under IOC rules, were abolished and competitors were allowed to wear leggings and tank tops instead. Egyptian athletes even competed in hijabs, although French competitors were not allowed to wear the traditional muslin headdress.

Cycling socks cannot extend further than mid-calf

In Olympic cycling, socks may not be longer than mid-calf length and must be measured. This rule ensures fair competition and aerodynamic consistency, as longer socks can provide an aerodynamic advantage by reducing drag.

Wrestlers must carry a handkerchief

Olympic wrestlers are required to carry a handkerchief, a “blood rag,” somewhere in their uniforms. This is used to clean up any bleeding during competition.

Water polo players’ toenails being checked

To prevent underwater scratches, water polo players should have their toenails trimmed before the game. It’s easy to take cheap shots underwater, so officials will check fingernails and toenails to make sure there are no barbs that could be used as weapons.