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THE ability to support oneself on the surface of the water and self-propulsion through the water without artificial aid are the basic requirements for participation in any aquatic sports. Swimming itself is generally considered one of the finest sports for developing and keeping muscular tone. It probably calls more muscles into play, with close coordination, than almost any other activity. The objective in proper swimming is to accomplish passage through the water with the least possible resistance to the ambient medium, with a minimum of splashing, and a smooth, continuous forward motion.

The Crawl

The “speed” stroke in most common use today is the Australian crawl which was developed in that country and improved in the United States. In the crawl the body is prone. Alternating overarm strokes and a flutter kick are used, and the head is turned from side to side at water level for breathing. While this is the stroke usually used in freestyle racing, it is best used by untrained swimmers only for short distances, as it can be rather tiring after a short spurt of speed. The popular 6-beat crawl is accomplished by kicking 3 times while each arm is pulling. The breathing must be synchronized with the arm and leg motions. The head should be carried so that the waterline is just above the eyes. As the arm is extended forward, the head is turned to the opposite side, and the swimmer inhales, breathing quickly through the mouth. As the face is turned downward, exhalation is through the nose and mouth while the other arm is extended and pulling.

The Trudgen Stroke

For distance swimming, the trudgen stroke is considered less tiring than the crawl and is essentially a fast stroke. It is named after John Trudgen, a British swimmer who died in 1902. Trudgen gained international fame for his swimming victories using this stroke. It became popular first in Spain, then spread to Latin America and finally to the United States. This stroke combines the arm motions of the crawl and the leg action of the sidestroke a modified scissors kick. Overarm strokes from a prone position are used, and the head remains on one side, for more natural breathing than in the crawl.

The important arm action of the trudgen is as follows: The stroke is started by pressing the arms alternately through the water with elbows straight. This motion is carried through until the elbow reaches the surface of the water close to the body. The elbow should then be lifted from the water until the hand emerges, and the hand is extended just above the surface until the arm is straight. When the hand enters the water, the arm should be pressed straight down for another stroke. As one arm presses through the water, the other reaches forward toward the start of the stroke. For the leg motion, one hip is kept about 4 inches lower than the other as the scissors kick is started. The body motion is a forward roll through the water. Co-ordination of arms and legs is important. The leg motion must be geared to the position of the hips. With the left hip low, the kick is performed as the left hand moves forward; then the legs are kept together as the right hand goes forward. With the right hip low, the reverse action is followed.

There are several variations on the basic trudgen stroke. The use of a frog kick will reduce the amount of body roll. The “double trudgen” is accomplished by using a frog or scissors kick with each armstroke. The “trudgen crawl” is a form of the stroke in which a scissors kick is used while one arm is pressing, and 2 or 4 crawl-stroke kicks are used while the other arm is pressing.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Water Basketball

This game may be played in a pool or in shallow water. Two hoops, peach or bushel baskets, or basketball baskets, are suspended 5 feet above water, facing each other at sides of pool, or about 40 feet apart. Generally, rules of basketball apply, except that players may advance while holding ball. Tackling and ducking are considered fouls and are punished by an award of a free throw at basket from distance of 15 feet. Usually there are no out-of-bounds rules and a basket may be thrown from anywhere in the water. A basket counts 2 points and a score foul one point. It has been found that the game is less tiring if played in water not more than waist deep. An excellent game for poor or nonswimmers if played in shallow water.

Water Baseball

This game may be played in a pool, or at a beach or lake. In open water, the “diamond” is marked off by “bases” which may be stakes, or securely anchored buoys. Life preservers or seat cushions may be used for buoyed bases. In a pool, points at edge may be marked as bases; there is no need for a pitcher’s plate, as no pitcher is used. Batter knocks ball into playing “field” as he would serve a volley ball, then swims toward first base. In pool play, batter usually stands on edge of pool, serves ball, then dives into water and heads for first base. Usual rules of baseball apply from then on, except that “catcher” serves as a fourth baseman, guarding home plate. Size of playing field can vary according to age and skill of players; number of players involved can be very flexible.

Water Volley Ball

Teams in this game can depend on available supply of participants. Players are divided into 2 teams, and a strip in center of playing area may be marked off as a neutral zone-corresponding to net in on-land volley ball. If net is used, hang so that bottom is about 3 feet above water. A water-polo ball may be used; players bat it back and forth over net or neutral zone, using hands. A side loses ball if it fails to return it, if it hits net or falls in neutral zone, or if it is batted over limit lines. If serving side wins ball, it scores one point. Only serving side scores. If it loses ball, it fails to score. Game is usually played until one side scores 21 points. In pool game, teams usually rotate from deep to shallow side.

Water Punch Ball

This game calls for a bit of equipment and some construction work, but where it has been used, results seem to justify the extra effort. A heavy, taut wire is stretched about 9 feet above surface of water of pool, running length of pool down the middle. Suspended from this cable on a sliding brass ring is a standard punching bag, at the end of a 7-foot rope. Group of players is divided into 2 teams, each remaining on its side of the wire. A rope floating with wooden beads may be run on water underneath supporting wire to make team limits. Each team is given one end of pool as its goal, and object of game is to bat punching bag to that end while opposing team is trying to reach other end with bag. The game received its name because the pool in the ensuing melee looks like a veritable punch bowl. Rules may be set up to provide for rotation from deep to shallow end of pool and to limit physical contact.

Break the Balloon

Younger children will enjoy this game, which may be played at either deep or shallow end of pool, depending on water skill of participants. Necessary equipment is a supply of toy balloons. Divide players into 2 equal groups, letting them choose sides, or selecting them by age or size. One team surrounds a balloon floating on water. At a signal, team of attackers tries to break balloon, while defending team protects it. Each team can be given 2- or 3-minute attacking periods. Team which breaks balloon in shortest time, or side which breaks most balloons, wins. Referee should have a shrill whistle with which to signal a halt when play becomes over-enthusiastic, as younger players may forget objective in heat of competition and try to eliminate competitors.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Water Box Ball

This game is played the width of pool in shallow water 3 to 4 feet in depth. The ball is made of rubber and about 7 inches in diameter. The goals-from which game gets its name-are 2 boxes facing playing area, one on each side of pool, and 3 feet back from edge. They should be about 5 feet up on a support or platform. Boxes should be a foot high, a foot deep, and about 2 feet wide. Open tops of the boxes face each other, and word GOAL may be painted inside.

Five-feet throw lines are marked parallel to sides of pool. Three or more players make up a team. The game consists of 2 halves of 7 minutes each. Object of game is to toss ball into goal. Ball must be thrown with both hands, and to be counted a fair score must hit in the back of box. Ball must be tossed from outside 5-foot throw line. Each goal counts one point.

Game is started by both teams lining up in the water at respective sides of the pool, holding the wall with one hand. The ball is thrown into center of playing area by referee at beginning of game, and after a goal is scored. No fouls are called, but any player guilty of rough play or other offense may be taken out of game.
Rules on tackling, ducking, holding, etc., should be agreed upon by players before game is started.

Uno-Goal Polo

This game proved highly popular when tried by the Department of Recreation and Parks in Los Angeles. Basically, it is a combination of basketball and water polo, and is a good game for fairly expert swimmers looking for a lead-up game before trying water polo.

A regulation water-polo ball is used in an area about 15 to 20 yards square, with water at least 3 feet deep. The goal is an inflated automobile inner tube. If possible, any old-style tube with as large a radius as possible should be used- a truck tube is ideal. Around goal there is an “imaginary” penalty area of 3 yards. Teams consist of 5 players and 3 substitutes. Goal tender is the only player allowed to enter penalty area or touch goal. Playing time is 20 minutes, divided into 4 5-minute quarters, with one minute between quarters and 5 minutes between halves.

At start of game, each team places one man in each corner of square playing area. Goal tenders face each other directly in front of referee who blows his whistle to signal the start and throws ball between them. Once the game is on, players may enter any part of playing area except penalty area around goal. A goal, worth 2 points, is scored when ball is thrown inside tube. No goals may be scored by goal tenders. If tie occurs at end of game, a 3-minute overtime is played. If score is still tied after overtime has been played, the first team to score a goal wins.

Following each goal, ball is dead and must be put back into play by opposing goal tender, who passes it. If ball lands within 3-yard penalty area, it must be retrieved by a goal tender who passes it out to a teammate. If ball is thrown out of playing area, referee tosses it to nearest opponent from where it left playing area.

Scored fouls count one point. An ordinary foul is called against the goal tender if he moves more than 3 yards from goal, or if he moves goal out of place as a ball is thrown toward it. Ordinary fouls are called against all players if they stand or touch bottom during deep-water play; hold ball for more than 10 seconds; hold it under water or strike it with clenched first; start play before starting whistle; delay game; hold or duck an opponent.

Penalty for an ordinary foul is a free throw to goal from place where foul occurred, taken by player from opposing team nearest the offender. All other players stay in position until ball has left his hands. Penalty for a “willful” foul is a free throw, as for an ordinary foul, and offender is removed from water, without substitution, until a goal has been scored. Willful fouls include: an ordinary foul committed deliberately; wasting time; any player except goal tender entering 3-yard area; changing position during a foul throw; goal tender interfering with a free throw; leaving field of play without permission of referee; refusing obedience to referee. A free throw which rebounds from goal remains in play.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Double Water Ball

This game was originated and copyrighted by Nathan H. Kaufman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1933. He reports that it is now being played all over the world and “it is the only game ever invented that is completely original for swimming since it is almost impossible to play on land.” The game of double water ball may be played in shallow as well as deep water. Two balls are used, each side controlling one ball at start of game. Object of the game is to protect your own ball from the opposite team while trying to secure their ball also. Zones should be 5 feet away from each wall inside pool. Balls used are rubber, about 7 inches in diameter. Each team may consist of from 4 to 10 players.

In case of a foul, offender is immediately disqualified and cannot return to game until a score has been made. Fouls include: rough play, ducking an opponent who does not have the ball (other ball must be secured by teammates and passed to ball carrier in order to score), intentionally throwing ball out of pool, hitting an opponent with ball, etc.

Full game consists of 3 periods of 4 minutes each. Captain must throw ball out of zone to a member of his team. Ball is passed around and kept away from opposing team by defenders. Attackers attempt to secure ball from other team.

When both balls are in possession of any one member of team, it shall count one point if balls are touched together. When played in deep water, a point cannot be scored if ball carrier holds onto ball.

Water Skim Ball

This game may be played either width or length of pool, depending on age and skill of players. Purpose of game is to secure ball from other team when thrown in by referee, and after passing it around, attempt to score a goal by “skimming” or bouncing ball on water so that it will strike goal or go through it, after bouncing on water once. Zones are 5 feet away from each wall on inside of pool. A solid goal or framework may be used; it should be 2 feet high and 4 feet wide. Balls used are 7-inch and of rubber; teams consist of from 4 to 10 players.

The goal watcher is the only one allowed to protect his goal and must pass ball out of his zone in 10 seconds or forfeit it to other side. Goal watcher cannot score unless he swims out of his own section. The game is made up of 8-minute halves. Teams line up in water, holding wall with one hand, in their own zones. No one is allowed to cross opposite zone line at any time during game. If ball, after skimming off water, hits anyone on opposite side and then strikes goal, it counts as a goal scored. Goals score 2 points; fouls score one point. Ball must be thrown with one hand and must be handled by more than 2 players before score can be made. Anyone holding ball may be ducked until it is released. An awarded foul throw must be made at an unguarded goal, from halfway between both goals, and must skim water and strike or go through goal to count. Fouls consist of holding onto wall with ball, rough play, stopping ball while holding onto wall, ducking player who does not have ball, etc.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

While water polo calls for expert swimming and physical stamina, there are other aquatic games which can be enjoyed as participants-by poor swimmers and even nonswimmers, and they are also fun to watch. Many variations of these games can be played and all sorts of rules added or modified, according to the wishes of the players. Rules, once established before the game, should be strictly adhered to, and a referee should be appointed for the sake of safety and harmony among the players. The games may be varied by applying rules from hockey, water polo, or basketball.

Marine Ball

This game was designed for playing in the large shallow area of a public pool.

PLAYING AREA: 40 yards by 20 yards. Water should not be more than 3 feet deep.

EQUIPMENT:

(1) Cork float boundary line (number of lines depending on shape of pool).
(2) One 8-inch rubber ball.
(3) Set of lacrosse or hockey nets-or any makeshift setup which serves the same purpose. (4) One set of bathing caps of the same color, choice of color to go to team winning toss.

RULES:

(1) Nets-To be placed directly opposite each other at each end of playing area, if possible on wall of pool.
(2) Number of players-Between 7 and 12 on a side, depending on size of shallow area.
(3) Players’ formation-
(a) Goal tender or guard, directly in front of net;
(b) at least 2 guards stationed right and left, 10 feet to either side of goal;
(c) a center;
(d) remainder of team are forward.
(4) Defense-Two methods of defense may be used, as in basketball, “man for man” and “zone.” If teams are picked
according to age or weight, “man for man” is best defense to use. This is a passing game, but tackling with no punish-
ing holds is allowed. Swimming ability does not play too much of a part in performance.
(5) Start and ball in play-Ball is tossed into the air from side of pool by referee, between two players who scrimmage for possession. Ball is passed to forwards who work it down to scoring position, passing as in water polo, but a player may touch ball with both hands. Only a player in possession of ball may be tackled, and never by more than one man. Referee to decide on rough tactics or foul play.
(6) Scoring-
(a) Ball must be thrown into net.
(b) Goal to count 2 points,
(c) If referee calls a foul, person fouled gets a free throw 15 feet from goal-this will count one point,
(d) Ball is put back into play by referee who tosses ball to a guard of team scored against.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

The Backstroke

The backstroke is a “sometime thing” in water polo. It is used mainly when a player, swimming rapidly wants to observe the action of the game. While swimming the crawl, he simply turns over and continues swimming backstroke without losing his forward speed.

Proponents of the “scientific” approach to water polo say that while this stroke may not be used very often, it should be practiced with emphasis on holding the head up. As an exercise, using the backstroke is said to develop all-around mobility in the water, and it utilizes groups of muscles which are used less in other swimming strokes although they are used in play during the game.

Treading Water

Treading water is the technique of keeping the body in a vertical position in the water and is a useful resting and starting position. With the body held vertically, the legs perform a motion which is a combination of the leg movements used in breaststroke and sidestroke. The legs in treading do not move together, but successively, which gives this exercise its name. By closing the legs together quickly, the player can rise high out of the water. While treading, the hands perform a fanlike motion close to the hips. In rising out of the water, the hands can help by exerting a downward pressure. While treading water, the player can practice holding and passing the ball, using one and both hands.

Dribbling

Dribbling-changing of position with the ball-is among the most important maneuvers in water polo. It is used in escaping from an opponent, in getting into scoring position, in moving the ball around in the field of play. The technique of moving the 27-inch-circumference ball around is based on the crawl stroke described earlier in this chapter. To hold possession of the ball, even when moving at top speed, the player’s body must be kept high in the water and his head and upper body well above the surface.

The objective in dribbling is to move the ball along about 4 to 8 inches in front of the head, on top of the wave created by the raised head and chest. With the proper water-polo crawl, the arms are bent inward at the elbow, speeding up the recovery portion of the stroke. Also, should the ball slide to the side, it may be controlled by the bent arms; the arms come alongside the ball at shorter intervals, and when necessary the ball may be grasped quickly.

Team Play

In many water-polo games, even in international and Olympic competition, the object of the game appears to be to get the player with the ball and hold him under water until loss of breath requires him to relinquish it, also to “dunk” an opponent frequently and for long enough periods, to impair his playing efficiency. Wrestling, holding, and other underwater forms of mayhem, are considered acceptable in many water-polo circles as long as they are not observable by the officials above the surface of the water.

In the early stages of water polo, the ball was thrown from one goal toward the other with no specific plan. Every player would swim toward the spot where the ball landed and strive for possession. Passing was done with rigidly outstretched arms, which made control difficult. In the modern “scientific” game, it was found that instead of long and random throws it was more effective to swim with the ball toward the opponent’s goal and ‘”shoot” for goals from shorter distances. Swimming with the ball, dribbling, and improved ball handling led to team techniques resembling those of basketball, with the ball often being passed to a swimming teammate and more “air” play of the ball.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

In European methods of training for water polo, a sharp distinction is made between the type of swimming used in competition and in water polo. The progress of a competitive swimmer in the water is continuous, with emphasis on speed and endurance for longer events. The water-polo

This is a relatively calm moment in a water-polo game, with competing players both above water and concentrating on the ball.

player’s swimming is varied in intensity and interrupted by the progress of the plays in the game. Also, the game calls for the player to hold his head high, in order to follow the progress of the ball and the game. In addition, the competitive swimmer need perfect only one stroke, while the competent water-polo player must be equally skilled in all the strokes and techniques he may need during the same. The “purists” of the sport decry the practice of many coaches of selecting aspirants who prove limited in competitive skill to form a water-polo team for a club or school. The strokes necessary in water polo are the crawl, side-stroke, breaststroke and backstroke, although the various strokes must be adapted to the specific needs of the player during a game.

The Crawl

The crawl stroke is used during the greater part of the game, for it is the stroke used by a player in changing his position within the playing area. Since the swimmer must keep his head high to observe the game and the other players, his head must be held up. With the head held up, the legs will sink deeper than in competitive swimming. This changes the position of the body in the water. The higher angle of the body makes the legstroke more difficult. To compensate for this, the legs must be bent more at the knees to bring the feet nearer to the surface.

The armstroke must also be adapted to the needs of the game. In order to give support to the raised head and shoulders, the recovery stroke must be shortened. This is done by bending the elbows slightly so that the hands reach the water more quickly, producing a more forceful arm-stroke. Swimming with the arms slightly bent is also necessary when dribbling the ball along the surface of the water.

The Sidestroke

For maneuverability during plays and for quick turns, the sidestroke is important in water polo. However, this stroke as used in water polo differs from the competitive sidestroke. It is a modified sidestroke with emphasis on the powerful scissors kick. The armstroke is also changed, with the elbow of the arm moving in the air being sharply bent, giving an accelerated armstroke. The body is turned high on its side, with the eyes looking to the side. The legs are submerged just enough to provide support for the scissors kick. This half-side body position changes when one of the arms swings forward during recovery. Then the body is turned on the chest so that the raised head looks ahead. With the body in this position, the player sinks the arm that is swung forward into the water, and a forceful pull occurs simultaneously with the closing of the legs, pushing the body forward. When the pull begins, the body is turned again on the side to reduce water resistance. During the pull, the other arm reaches forward under the water, so that when one arm, completing the pull, swings back into the air, the other arm provides a continuous glide with an oarlike motion toward the breast. The player should develop facility in using the sidestroke on both sides to meet the needs of the game.

The Breaststroke

During much of the action in a game, the player must rise high out of the water as in throwing or receiving passes, shooting goals, attempting interceptions. The goalkeeper must especially be ready to “jump” out of the water to defend his goal. For these situations, the breaststroke is advocated. Again, the stroke differs from its namesake used in competitive swimming. Here, emphasis is on the upward effect of the kick, and not on the forward propulsion of the stroke. The normal breaststroke calls for an almost flat position in the water. The water-polo player using the breaststroke forms an angle of 40 to 60 degrees with the surface. The pull which provides forward momentum is reduced to a bare minimum, and the press, which lifts the upper potrion of the body, is increased to the maximum.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

In American collegiate circles and among some water-sports clubs, the Softball form of water polo has become popular-although many foreign critics of this particular game describe it as underwater mayhem. In the Softball variety the goals are smaller, a much smaller ball is used, and the ball is flexible enough to be grasped by the fingers. All types of rough play are permitted, with choking, butting, tackling and holding opponents under the water all being acceptable tactics.

In the United States water polo has never become a widely popular participant sport. One limiting factor is that it is a game in which only expert swimmers take an interest, and it is a tiring activity, even for good swimmers who are not in top physical condition. It is most popular among those who have passed the peak of their competitive swimming careers, yet who wish to participate in an active water sport. Probably for this reason, and because play in the game is intricate and difficult, most championship teams include men who are from 35 to 40 years old.

Another factor that has limited the spread of water polo is that in most places playing facilities are inadequate. The standard outdoor water-polo court is about 20 yards by 30 yards, and indoors the rules call for an area of 20 feet and 19 yards. Many pools are not large enough to provide the proper playing area, and to have 14 swimmers competing for the ball in limited space is not conducive to good play. In addition, many pools large enough for the sport have a shallow end, which spoils the game.

Water Polo Competition

While a number of schools and colleges engage in water-polo matches, the Olympic competition and the national championships recognized by the American Athletic Union have been dominated by the athletic clubs. The New York Athletic Club and the Illinois Athletic Club have been among the top teams since the early 1900′s. In the past few years, the sport has been spreading on the West Coast. With general acceptance of the “hard ball” and closer supervision of games by officials, the sport is expected to grow in popularity among players and spectators.

The official rules of water-polo competition may be found in the Official Swimming Handbook of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States available from the A.A.U., 233 Broadway, New York 7, New York, for $1.50.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

During the decade of the 1890′s, the game of water polo spread widely. Irish teams joined the British and Scottish teams. In America the rules were changed to make the game more practical in smaller, covered pools. In the American game the goal was scored by touching a mark painted on the wall, not by throwing for a goal. Water polo also spread to Germany, Austria and Hungary, where international competition was held. It also became popular in Australia, and soon spread to Russia.

During the 1950′s, changes in the rules made the game faster and more colorful by eliminating the many stops and actionless periods caused by the old rules. In 1950, the International Water Polo Board, the recognized rule-drafting organization, adopted what are basically today’s rules for the game.

Modern Rules

The modern game of water polo, which adopted many of the innovations introduced in the United States’ form of the game, is played in a pool-or pool area-not more than 20 feet in width, and not less than 19 yards long. At either end of the playing area, goals 3 feet high and 10 feet wide, backed with netting, are set at water level. The teams are made up of seven members on each side, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Team members are identified by the colors of their bathing caps and by numerals on the caps identifying the players and their positions on the team; goalkeeper, leftback, rightback, halfback, left forward, center forward and right forward.

In the formal game, called “hard-ball” water polo, an inflated ball 27 inches in circumference is used. The ball is tossed into the center of the playing area, and contestants fight for possession of it. The ball may be advanced toward the goal by batting it with the body, “dribbling,” or by balancing it in one hand. The object of the game is to score goals by hitting the ball through the net defended by the opposing side, using the head, feet or hands. At least 2 players must touch a ball before a goal may be scored.

The game is divided into 4 5-minute periods. Fouls such as carrying the ball under water or with two hands, tackling, bumping, etc. are called by a referee from outside the pool, and the penalty is an award of free throws to the opposing team.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

THE present game of water polo and the various similar water games which preceded it came about as a result of the building of indoor swimming pools. Among the first of these were the “swimming baths” opened in 1820 in Paris which were restricted to use by women. Soon swimming pools were found in many places on the Continent and were growing more popular in England and Scotland. Efforts to relieve the monotony of swimming competition events led to the development of a water game which absorbed many of the elements of soccer and hockey.

Origins

In its first form, the game of “water soccer” was played at different pools under what would be considered “local” rules. In 1870, a committee of British swimming experts met to formalize rules for water soccer. After several years of confusion about the game, the Bournemouth Rowing Club staged what was probably the first formal water-polo match in 1876. With 7 members to a team, the game was played within a marked-off area under control of a referee and 2 goal judges. A goal was scored by placing the ball on a raft at the end of the playing area. However, contemporary reports indicate that this game was never completed, as the rubber ball which was used burst and brought all action to a halt.

The first set of recognized rules for the game of water polo were prepared by a Scotsman named Wilson in Glasgow in the late 187O’s. By 1880, series of matches were being played among British and Scottish teams, although Wilson’s rules received varying interpretations at different pools. Finally in 1885, the English Swimming Association officially recognized water polo as a separate branch of aquatic sport and ordered the universal acceptance of the rules which it adopted. The 1885 rules consisted of 11 points:

1. Duration of game-20 minutes.
2. Captains to agree or toss for choice of goals.
3. At start of play, referee throws ball into center of course. All players then enter water immediately except the 2 goalkeepers. Goalkeepers may remain out of water and defend goal as they think best.
4. Ball may be passed from one player to another, and carried either on or below the surface of the water to goal.
5. No player may interfere with goalkeeper either in or out of the water, or hold opponents in any way, unless goalkeeper or opponent is in possession of ball. In case of violation of this rule, a free throw is given to opposing team from place where foul occurred.
6. A goal is obtained by ball being taken up by hand and placed fairly on floating stage or boat provided for that purpose.
7. If ball goes “offside” during play, the referee must immediately return it to play; if it goes out over or on floating stage or boat, it must immediately be taken up and thrown into play by goalkeeper on the stage or boat.
8. Umpires, or one of them, shall blow whistle immediately after a goal has been scored, and play shall stop at that moment.
9. Teams shall change goals at half time.
10. Any competitor who withdraws from a match or fails to participate in a match for which he has been engaged, forfeits all prizes he may have already won at this meeting, as well as any he may afterwards become entitled to in connection with the same match.
11. Power is given to umpires, or in case of their disagreement to referee, to decide all circumstances not provided for by these rules.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming