Federation: FINA
First Played: 1873, England
Team Members: 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper, total of 7
Equipment: Cap, Water Polo Ball, Goggles
Field: Indoor and Outdoor
Olympic Participation: 1900
Description:
Water polo is a team sport played in water where 6 field players and one goalkeeper (7 in total, including the goalkeeper) swim and attempt to score goals in a pool that measures up to 20x30 meters. Each team consists of 14 players in total, including substitutes. The game consists of 2 halves, and each half lasts 8 minutes, divided into 4 periods. Special equipment for water polo includes a floating water polo ball, numbered and colored caps, and two goals that are either floating or attached to the side of the pool.
The game is thought to have originated in Scotland in the late 19th century as a form of “water rugby.” It is believed that William Wilson developed a similar game during that time. The sport developed with the formation of the London Water Polo League and has since expanded widely across various regions in Europe, the United States, Brazil, China, Canada, and Australia.
History:
As a team sport, the history of water polo began in the late 19th century in England and Scotland, where water sports and competitive exhibitions were a feature of local fairs and festivals, showcasing strength and swimming skills. Men’s water polo was introduced as one of the first team sports in the modern Olympic Games in 1900. Water polo is now popular worldwide, particularly in Europe (especially in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Russia, Italy, Greece, and Spain), as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today’s game consists of teams made up of seven players (plus six substitutes) using a water polo ball that resembles a soccer ball but is made from air-tight nylon. One of the earliest records of water polo took place on September 15, 1873, during the 4th Crystal Palace Open Air Fete organized by the London Swimming Club. Another precursor of modern water polo was a game of water handball played on July 13, 1876, in Bournemouth. This game was played among 12 members of the Premier Rowing Club with goals marked by four flags placed near the center of Bournemouth Pier. The game started at 6:00 PM and was watched by a large crowd for 15 minutes (until the ball burst); plans were made to play on a larger scale the following week.
Field Dimensions:
The dimensions of a water polo pool are not fixed and can range between 20 × 10 meters and 30 × 20 meters. The minimum water depth should be at least 1.8 meters (6 feet), although in practice this may vary. The goals are 3 meters wide and 90 centimeters high.
