Water Polo

 History of Water Polo

In 1888, Water polo was introduced into the United States by English swimming instructor John Robinson. The game featured the old rugby style of play which was much like gridiron football in the water. "American style" water polo became very popular and by the late 1890's was played in such venues as the Boston's Mechanics Hall and Madison Square Garden.

As the sport grew in popularity, so did its level of violence, with little rules to prevent it. In the 1800's the intent of the game was to place the ball with two hands against the wall at one end of the pool to score. Players often swam underwater in an attempt to gain an advantage, only to be attacked by their defenders in the same manner.

In 1911, the Federation International de Natation Amateur (FINA), the international governing body for all amateur water sports, adopted the Scottish rules for all international water polo events.

United States continued to play by their own rules until 1912, when, instead of playing their semi-final game in the National Championship tournament, the New York Athletic Club and the Chicago Athletic Association chose to fight instead. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) cancelled its sponsorship of water polo until 1914 when United States clubs finally agreed to play under the more civilized international rules.

Over the years the game has evolved to more of a soccer style in which an opponent could only make contact if a player held the ball. In addition, the evolution of swimming changed the game from brute strength underwater to one of passing and speed above the surface.

Women were not allowed to compete at the Olympics until the 2000 Games in Sydney, where Australia won the gold medal, the United States took the silver, and the bronze went to Russia. The first Water Polo World Cup for women was held by FINA (the sport's governing body) in 1979, and the first World Championships took place in 1986.

Article Reference:

http://www.collegiatewaterpolo.org

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