| What is Water Polo? The dictionary defines water polo as � an aquatic game in which two teams of seven swimmers each attempt to push or shoot an inflated ball across each other�s goal line�. Similar in concept to soccer or hockey, water polo is a contest of skill and strategy between two team� of players. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposition. Water polo is generally played in deep water, over four time periods called quarters. It takes about sixty minutes to play an entire game, which is carefully controlled by qualified officials. The official in charge makes calls with a whistle. There is a maximum of 13 players on each team, with seven (one goalie and six players) in the water at any one time. Players are not allowed to touch the bottom or the sides of the pool. All players must play the ball with one hand, with the exception of the goaltenders. The water polo equivalent of a hockey face-off is a swim-off, when opposing players race for a free ball. Body contact is only permitted when a player is actually holding the ball. Is Water Polo similar to Other Sports? Water polo is like a combination of soccer, basketball, ice hockey and rugby, played a deep pool 30 x 20 meters. You can learn about Water Polo very quickly if you appreciate the similarities between it and the games above. However, it is the unique characteristics of the game that makes water polo so interesting. What is so different about Water Polo? It is played in the water, which makes it difficult for the referee to see exactly what is going on. Players, may use subtle pushes, and holds to improve their positions. While this may be totally foreign to most sports people, little push-offs, and pull-pasts, have been a part of water polo for so long that some instructional books exist which actually show how to get away with these moves. How Physical is Water Polo? Another interesting point is the way water polo rules distinguish between degrees of physical contact. The four rules which deal with this are; impeding; pushing, holding (sinking and pulling back), and brutality. With the exception of brutality, these rules, do not apply when an opponent is holding the ball, i.e., they can be tackled. However, impeding (which is basically swimming over someone) and pushing are considered minor ordinary fouls while to �hold, sink, or pull back an opponent not holding the ball� is considered a major foul. |
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