Federation: CMAS
First Played: 1964, Mulheim, Germany
Team Members: 6 in the game, 6 substitutes
Equipment: Heavy Metal Buckets, Diving Goggles, Cap
Field: Indoor
Olympic Participation: Not included in the Olympics.
Description:
Underwater rugby is a sport with roots in the physical endurance training of German diving teams. Despite its name, it has no real connection to traditional rugby, other than the name.
History:
Underwater rugby began in the 1960s as an educational game played by French Navy Commandos off the coast of Kenya, using coconuts filled with sand in a combat-like game. The game was brought to Europe by the French and later introduced to Germany when Ludwing Von BERSUDA, a member of a German diving club, suggested creating a game involving an underwater ball. Dr. Franz Josef GRIMMEISEN, also a member of a diving club in Duisburg, Germany, decided to turn underwater ball into a competitive team sport. Over the years, underwater rugby grew in popularity and became an official pool game played by many athletes. The first official underwater rugby match was played in Mulheim, Germany, on October 4, 1964. The first official tournament took place on November 5, 1965. As the game’s quality improved, demand for the sport increased, and in 1978 it was officially recognized by CMAS. The first European Championship was held in Malmö, Sweden, in April 1978, and the first official World Championship took place in Mulheim, Germany, where the sport was born.
Field Dimensions:
The game is played at depths of 3.5 to 5 meters, with goals (heavy metal buckets 40 cm in diameter) placed at the bottom of the pool. Two teams (blue and white), each consisting of 6 players (+6 substitutes), try to score by placing a slightly sinking ball (filled with salt water) into the opponent's goal. The game is fast-paced and physically demanding, but substitutes are ready for quick changes. The ball can move in any direction but must stay underwater. It "flies" about 2 to 3 meters before being stopped by water resistance. This encourages good tactics and positioning in three dimensions. Players rely on a range of abilities, including strength, speed, mobility, and low oxygen consumption. The sport is often played in mixed-gender teams, as few people can play underwater rugby.
