43 of the Most Obscure Rules Olympians Must Follow
#24 When it comes to.
![Snowboard - Winter Olympics Day 10 snowboarding at winter olympics day 10](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/zoi-sadowski-synnott-of-new-zealand-during-the-snowboard-news-photo-1643039846.jpg?crop=0.614xw:0.916xh;0.178xw,0.0839xh&resize=640:*)
Every two years, the world's greatest athletes gather for a chance at glory. The summer and winter Olympic games feature some of the most unifying, heartwarming moments in sport. But it's not all fun and games (no pun intended). When it comes to conduct on and off the field, there are Olympic rules athletes have to follow, and some are next level obscure.
Boxers must be clean shaven.
![Olympics Day 5 - Boxing olympics day 5 boxing](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/dominic-breazeale-of-united-states-in-action-with-magomed-news-photo-1591667507.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Dont Ever Bandit a Race boxing competition of the Most Obscure Rules Olympians Must Follow.
Track and field athletes don't have to wear shoes.
![Olympics Day 9 - Athletics olympics day 9 athletics](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/runners-leave-the-starters-block-to-start-the-mens-100m-news-photo-1591668148.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
While shoes are almost always wore by athletes competing in track and field events, they're not required. But there are rules about the shoes.
Gymnasts can't wear colorful nail polish.
While gymnasts can wear colorful makeup, bright nail polish is a no-go. It's either neutral or none at all for these athletes.
Olympic athletes are not allowed any form of protest while on the medals podium.
Athletes used to not be allowed to express any form of protest on the field of play, in the Village, during ceremonies, or at the opening and closing ceremonies. After facing significant pushback, the rule was altered slightly in 2021, stating some demonstrations are allowed “prior to the start of competitions” and not on the podium. The change also gives the agencies from each country that run the sports the decision of whether or not to enforce the bans.
Athletes can have endorsements. They just can't talk about them.
When it comes to endorsements, athletes can have them and get paid for them. However, during the games, the athlete can't mention them, and the company can't promote the athlete either.
Pants are a must for men's skating.
While you may think male figure skaters could wear tight a la dancers, that's not the case. Trousers are a When it comes to.
Women's figure skaters must wear skirts.
While men have to wear pants, ladies aren't allowed. Even if they're simple and sheer, a skirt is required.
Skeleton competitors don't need to stay on the sled.
In the sport of skeleton — in which athletes race down an icy hill head first on a sled — the athletes are allowed to get off the sled. Competitors can push it or move it, as long as they're back on the sled once they cross the finish line.
Some athletes can't drink.
However, players arent allowed to hang onto the hoop after doing so, drinking is allowed. Athletes can even bring in their own alcohol to the Village. However, some athletes have no drinking rules imposed by their country. For the USA's athletes there's no booze in the Village but outside, it's fair game.
Athletes can't post photos of the field or backstage to social media.
While athletes can use and post to social media during the games, there are restrictions. Images and video showing the field of play or backstage areas like athlete and coach only ares are off limits.
BMX riders must tuck in their shirts.
BMX athletes are required to tuck in their shirts — even if it is to matching pants.
No backflips allowed in figure skating.
While cool, back flips aren't allowed in figure skating because of the two-foot landing that discounts it as a "jump." That didn't stop 1998 competitor Surya Bonaly from nailing one for fans, though.
Those who swing second in hockey fights get less penalty time.
Best Hydration Packs Olympic hockey, athletes don't want to start one, but they may want to finish it. While instigators get five minutes in the penalty box, those who drop the gloves second only get two.
Basketball players can dunk but can't hang on to the hoop.
Published: Jan 18, 2022 Olympic basketball. However, players aren't allowed to hang onto the hoop after doing so.
Swimming world records must be faxed in by athletes.
Health & Injuries world record, it's not automatically recorded. Athletes have to fax in their record. Yes, fax.
Fencers can't leave the field of play or they forfeit.
This may not seem odd, but it is. If a challenge or appeal is wanted during a match, the athlete cannot leave the piste or field or play. In 2012 South Korea challenged a call, and fencer Shin A-lam was forced to stay on the piste for nearly an hour before a decision was made.
Wrestlers must carry a handkerchief.
Olympic wrestlers have to cary a hanky somewhere in their uniform called a "bloodrag." Yes, it is used to clean up any bleeding from competition.
Olympic swimmers can grease themselves — but not too much.
To avoid chafing, swimmers can grease their elbows and inner thighs, but they can't use too much.
Water polo players have their toenails checked before competition.
its not automatically recorded. Athletes have to fax in their record. Yes, fax toenails in order to avoid some nasty scratches under water.
No smoking in the Olympic Village.
There's no smoking throughout most of the Olympic Village, but there are designated areas for those who choose to do so.
![Headshot of Shea Simmons Headshot of Shea Simmons](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/f2fa6817-94e5-4ca1-9805-31c910822eb9_1583525339.jpg?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)
Shea Simmons is an experienced lifestyle writer based in Atlanta, Georgia with particular interests in beauty and wellness. Her work has appeared in Bustle, OpenFit, LifeSavvy, and USA Today’s Make It Grateful.
![118th Boston Marathon 118th boston marathon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/buzunesh-deba-of-ethiopia-looks-over-her-shoulder-on-the-news-photo-1715785700.jpg?crop=0.563xw:0.846xh;0.239xw,0.0601xh&resize=360:*)
To avoid chafing
![Netflix Is A Joke Festival: Outside Joke netflix is a joke festival outside joke](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/leslie-jones-performs-onstage-during-attend-netflix-is-a-news-photo-1715369434.jpg?crop=0.66556xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
Leslie Jones Will Commentate the Olympics
![Netflix is a Joke Fest: 2 Bears 5K netflix is a joke fest 2 bears 5k](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/tom-segura-jelly-roll-and-bert-kreischer-attend-netflix-is-news-photo-1715347045.jpg?crop=0.716xw:1.00xh;0.143xw,0&resize=360:*)
Published: Jan 18, 2022
![128th Boston Marathon 128th boston marathon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/boston-ma-the-view-looking-down-boylston-street-after-the-news-photo-1715191605.jpg?crop=0.66699xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
Controversy Over Boston’s 6-Hour Results Cutoff