ACOG - Aquatics: Water Polo - IBM

History of Water Polo

Originating in Great Britain in the mid-19th century, water polo began as a watery rough-and-tumble, often violent version of rugby. The game was simple enough — place an inflated rubber ball over the opponent's goal line.

During these early games, rules were virtually nonexistent. "One point for one goal" was the game's only bylaw and the violent nature of the contest often resulted in serious injuries. By the turn of the century, contests in the United States were often simply brawls in the water. Players would hide the ball in their swimsuits and attempt to swim toward the goal underwater. Opponents attempted to drown one another as goalies patrolling the outside deck of the pool would jump on offensive players attempting to score a goal.

The game developed a much more precise form in Europe, as rules in Scotland were introduced that emphasized swimming and passing. In 1900, water polo became the first team sport to be added to the Modern Olympic Games. After European countries refused to send teams to the 1904 St. Louis Games because of the rough American rules, the Fédération Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA) adopted the Scottish rules in 1911. Rules changed over the years, including prohibiting taking the ball under water while allowing players to throw the ball into the goal, instead of the former practice of holding the ball down in the goal area. The game further developed with the adoption of the American-conceived lightweight waterproof ball in 1956.

European countries remain the top water polo powers on the international level. Hungary dominated international competitions for almost 50 years, winning five of seven Olympic gold medals from 1932 to 1976. In the last 20 years, however, other countries have shared the medal count including Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain and the United States.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publication Department. Written by Howard Thomas.


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