Lingerie brings a twist to an uncommon women’s sport

For those who have watched the Lingerie Football League, you might find yourself asking the question: "why?" As the question has surfaced in many spectators' minds, most have come up with two answers: Either the sport exists to bring attention to women's football or to simply entertain men.

The Lingerie Football League, or LFL, is the official governing body of lingerie football. The playing style is full contact and quite similar to Arena Football, with each side fielding seven women outfitted in shoulder, knee and elbow pads, along with headgear that resembles an ice hockey helmet. And, of course, bras and panties are mandatory.

Much like men's professional football, kickoffs start the first and second halves. The goal is to score a touchdown by getting a first down on every fourth down.

If one team scores a touchdown, they can attempt a one-point conversion from the two-yard line or a two-point conversion from the five-yard line, as there are no punts or field goals. The field itself is 50 yards in length and 30 yards wide, making for a fast-paced game.

Ten teams make up the LFL: The Baltimore Charm, Cleveland Crush, Orlando Fantasy, Philadelphia Passion, Tampa Breeze, Toronto Triumph, Chicago Bliss, Green Bay Chill, Las Vegas Sin, Los Angeles Temptation, Minnesota Valkyrie and Seattle Mist.

Every season culminates in the Lingerie Bowl, with this year's game right before Super Bowl XLVI. The victor this year was the Los Angeles Temptation over the Philadelphia Passion, giving the Temptation three consecutive Lingerie Bowl wins.

The league has been met with criticism, with detractors saying that the league degrades female athletes.

"Maybe one day, girls won't have to wear lingerie to get people interested in women's football," said one critic.

However, players have responded to this by saying, "I just appreciate playing football; I don't care what they put me in."

Another player favored the lingerie saying, "It's more comfortable this way."

Whatever the case, the Lingerie Football League promises to bring excitement to a previously unexplored women's game.