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The Weirdest Sports Rules Professional Athletes Have to Follow

Esquire

March 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM

The Weirdest Sports Rules Professional Athletes Have to Follow

College basketball banned the numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9.

The NBA has a strict dress code.

Players can personalize their sneakers.

Twitter wars are banned.

Social media is off-limits during games.

You can't twerk after an NFL touchdown.

Be careful when spiking the ball.

Inhalers are off-limits.

Cheerleaders should be prepared for weigh-ins.

Eating in uniform is a big no-no.

Chewing gum is restricted, too.

Denim isn't allowed by the PGA Tour.

Shorts just became okay.

You must sign your score card.

You can't give or receive advice from another player.

Sometimes you have to take a mulligan.

Athletes aren't paid to appear in the Olympics.

Olympic athletes don't have to be amateurs.

There are age regulations in the Olympics.

Hair can't touch the back of a gymnast's neck.

No clothing can show from under gymnast's leotards.

Even the tape gymnasts wear must blend in.

Boxers must shake hands with their opponent.

Boxers have to keep their mouth guards in.

Swimmers should shave their bodies before a meet.

The MLB is against catching a ball in your hat.

Ambidextrous pitchers have to pick one arm.

Tennis players must wear all-white in certain tournaments.

Compression suits are now allowed.

Your hat can't drop.

NHL players face penalties for fighting.

But fighting is still a huge part of the game.

Players can't tuck in their jerseys.

Hockey has a very specific rule about blood.

There's no left hand usage allowed in Polo.

Soccer players can't remove their shirts.

Biting is strictly forbidden.

Jockeys have to meet weight requirements

Jockeys must carry whips during races.

Not just any onecan invest in a sports team.

The Weirdest Sports Rules Professional Athletes Have to Follow

Everyone knows that double dribbling is off-limits and that three strikes means you're out, but most sports have lots of rules that aren't as well-know by the public, too. From strict dress codes to excessive celebrations, we're breaking down the craziest rules professional athletes must abide by when they compete.

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You can get a yellow card for what?!