Water Polo, an overview
In the late 19th century, a team sport started to demonstrate swimming skill and strength. Water polo, as it is now known has its origins in England and Scotland, and is now popular in many countries throughout the world.
The game was always a major exhibition in country fairs and festivals due to its rugby-like nature, in its original form. One of the first sports introduced into the 1900 Olympic Games, the rules were first established by William Wilson in Great Britain.
Water polo originated as water rugby and it was played in rivers and lakes with a ball of Indian rubber. The first games were very different from modern games, as the players were allowed to use brute strength, wrestle, and even hold opposing players underwater
in an attempt to recover the ball. The net was implemented later, and before then, the goalie would stand on deck, and jump in on a player attempting to score by placing the ball on the deck.
The term water polo, originated from the term water, which is obvious, and “pulu” which means ball in Balti. The modern version of water polo compiles of two teams of seven players each, with up to six substitutes.
The water polo ball is now made of waterproof nylon, but is still similar to a football. Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia are the countries in which water polo is most popular. Six countries have Olympic teams, with the exception of Antarctica,
for obvious reasons.
Water polo, along with cricket, rugby, horse polo, tug of war, football, and rowing, were the first sports introduced in the Olympics of 1900. After political protests from the Australian women’s water polo team, women’s water polo was introduced into the
2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
The most renowned water polo match in history is certainly the semi-final match of the 1956 Summer Olympics. Later coined the “Blood in the Water” match, this brutal game preceded the Hungarian Revolution, which was crushed by the Soviet army.
The match between Hungary and the Soviet Union was called off in the final minute to protect Valentin Prokopov and the rest of the Soviet team from the livid Hungarians, after Prokopov punched Hungary player, Ervin Zador’s eye open.
Since 1973, a men’s Water Polo World Championship takes place every two to four years, organized within the FINA World Aquatics Championships. In 1986, women’s water polo was added, along with a second tournament series known as the FINA Water Polo World
Cup.
The first international league was organized by FINA in 2002, the FINA Water Polo World League. A European Water Polo Championship is also held bi-yearly as well as LEN Euroleague tournament.
In modern times, equipment in a typical game consists of six different items. First of all, a swimming pool or other body of water is required to play the game in. Secondly, a water polo ball is needed.
Water polo balls are waterproof to keep them floating during the course of a game and are made of non-slip materials to give the players a firm grip on the ball. The size of the ball varies with the regulating body of the match. Usually, a men’s match has
a football sized ball, while women’s and junior games use a slightly smaller ball.
For protection and identification, players are required to wear a numbered cap. Visiting teams wear a white cap, while home teams wear dark coloured ones. The goalies wear red caps with the number “1” on them, while back-up goalies wear “13” or “15,” depending
upon the regulating body. All caps are fitted with ear protectors.
Goals are also necessary to play water polo, which can be set up on floaters or the sides of the pool. Due to extreme contact in the game, a mouth-guard is also required. Lastly, swimwear is required. Although this may seem obvious, players wear special
swimwear with zippers instead of straps to keep other players from using them to pull them under or pull past them.
The game of water polo is very fast paced and exciting to watch, but not as simple as it seems. Players stay afloat throughout the entire match and if they touch the bottom of the pool, it is considered a foul. Players have to train a lot to be able to play
this difficult, yet satisfying game.
Stephane Licinia, who was one of the influences and players of water polo, would be proud to see how far the game has progressed since the first game in 1870.
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