Jun 10, 2011

Will Naama Shafir Not Be Able To Play In Europe for Tzniyut reasons?

Naama Shafir was the first Orthodox Jew to play in the NCAA Division I tournament. Shafir played for Toledo. In the NCAA she adhered to her values, asking her rav for guidance, and following that guidance, no matter how difficult or inconvenient.

Shafir continues to show us that one can participate, and at times one must make difficult decisions, but certain things are more important than others.

Naama Shafir
Shafir is set to play for the Israel national team in a European tournament. She only plays wearing a t-shirt with short sleeves under her basketball, sleeveless, jersey, for reasons of tzniyut, modesty. The tournament officials have denied her request to wear the t-shirt under the jersey, saying it breaks the rules of the tournament. The appeals committee of FIBA has upheld that decision, and it looks like Shafir is stuck and will not be able to play.

The Israeli Basketball Association is planning to further appeal the decision, this time to the highest ruling body of European basketball, the International Olympic Committee, and might even possibly sue FIBA in the court of Human Rights in Europe. According to Srugim, reporting this story, the league only changed the rule in recent years and used to allow the under-t-shirt. As well, many of the other leagues still allow it, so there is room to make such an exception, or for her appeal to be accepted. Shafir might still get to play after all.

Once again, Shafir shows herself capable of putting herself in difficult situations to do what she loves, but capable of making tough decisions.
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5 comments:

  1. The Rebbetzin's HusbandJune 10, 2011 7:45 PM

    Fascinating - especially given this CNN article on a Muslim weight lifter who seems to be about to get her way regarding tzniut in competition.

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  2. Rafi G.June 11, 2011 11:44 PM

    different sports, different leagues, different rules.

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  3. AnonymousJune 12, 2011 3:42 AM

    If all the other players wore the same t-shirt, would that meet the rules?

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  4. The Rebbetzin's HusbandJune 12, 2011 7:50 AM

    It's not about the result, it's about the attitude toward solving the problem. I'd have expected a uniform [no pun intended] attitude.

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  5. Rafi (S)June 15, 2011 10:31 AM

    The issue is a bit more complex than allowing for the Muslims while not allowing for Jews. See this for example for round-up and analysis of several recent dress incidents. As Rafi G said different bodies make different rulings - some reasonable and others less so. I do think this one comes into the "less so" category, but go argue with officialdom.

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