The AFLW has removed its all-white shorts on the field in an effort to combat period stigma.
ABC News reported that players would no longer have to wear white shorts to reduce anxiety over menstruation during game time.
From now on, all 18 clubs will wear their regular coloured shorts for home games and will be provided with an extra pair of coloured shorts when necessary, with changes being implemented in the new year.
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Alas, the dread of Aunty Flo visiting will soon be over.
The AFLW has also said they will ensure no team colours will clash during matches.
According to a memo obtained by The Age, the league said: “Following extensive industry consultation, the removal of white shorts will address athlete in-competition performance anxieties and barriers to participation across all levels of womens’ and girls’ footy.
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“This initiative will take place across the AFLW competition, VFLW competition, AFLW U18 National Championships and any AFL-managed talent pathway activities from 2023 onwards.”
AFL General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone welcomed the new initiative and hopes other local sports teams follow in their footsteps, as per Women’s Agenda.
She said: “I’m proud of the position the AFL has taken with this decision and thank our players for their leadership and passion.
“Whilst this is a policy change for women and girls in AFL-run competitions, the ripple effect for community sport for women and girls is immense – we want to lead to remove any barriers that prevent women and girls participating in Australian Football.”
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Livingston added that the league would continue to reflect women’s unique needs as the sport grows.
The AFL’s move comes after other sports, such as tennis and cricket, challenged the all-white dress code.
Earlier this year, Wimbledon organisers issued a statement revealing they had consulted with clothing manufacturers and medical teams before changing the uniform.
Now, female competitors will be able to wear mid/dark-coloured undershorts.
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Chief Executive of the All England Club, Sally Bolton, said the new uniform policy would allow those who menstruate to focus purely on the game.
She added: “This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose.
"It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performanceby relieving a potential source of anxiety.”
Featured Image Credit: MelbourneAFLW/Twitter. catswomens/TwitterTopics: News, Sport, Australia, Good News