The Perception of Muslim Female Athletes Towards Formal Dress at Sand Volleyball Events

Abstract

Sand volleyball can be promoted as sports tourism in Indonesia. However, the dress code of sand volleyball players is challenging for female Muslim athletes. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of female Muslim sand volleyball athletes toward the dress code at formal sand volleyball events. The research adopted qualitative methods. 40 female Muslim athletes of sand volleyball were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected by using an online interview technique. Data were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using content analysis. Results show three different orientations of the athletes' perceptions: (1) authenticity and professionalism perceive the dress code is unique to sand volleyball, comfortable, and help make flexibility in motion. The athlete should obey the dress code to show their integrity and professionalism; (2) compromise and achievement perceive that the athletes should focus on achievement. Sport regulation should help create confidence for the athlete. The athletes should gain the privilege to choose their dress based on their values and support from their communities; and, (3) religious and cultural values perceive that the dress code should be contextualized. The dress code should be based on the athletes' religious and cultural values as a form of equality in culture. The findings bring theoretical implications and suggest several managerial implications including the need to issue a dress code for sand volleyball athletes which is contextual to Indonesia, in order to increase participation, stimulate the emergence of local professional players and increase support for sand volleyball to become a tourism sport.