History

William Wilson, Scottish aquatics pioneer and originator of the first rules of water polo

Main article: History of water polo

The history of water polo as a team sport began as a demonstration of strength and swimming skill
in late 19th century England and Scotland, where water sports and racing exhibitions were a feature
of county fairs and festivals.[4][5] Men's water polo was among the first team sports introduced at the
modern Olympic games in 1900. Water polo is now popular in many countries around the world,
notably Europe (particularly in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Russia, Italy, Greece and
Spain), the United States, Canada and Australia. The present-day game involves teams of seven
players (plus up to six substitutes), with a water polo ball similar in size to a soccer ball but
constructed of air-tight nylon.
One of the earliest recorded viewings of water polo was conducted at the 4th Open Air Fete of the
London Swimming Club, held at the Crystal Palace, London on 15 September 1873.[6] Another
antecedent of the modern game of Water Polo was a game of water ‘handball’ played
at Bournemouth on 13 July 1876.[7] This was a game between 12 members of the Premier Rowing
Club, with goals being marked by four flags placed in the water near to the midpoint of Bournemouth
Pier. The game started at 6:00 pm in the evening and lasted for 15 minutes (when the ball burst)
watched by a large crowd; with plans being made for play on a larger scale the following week.
The rules of water polo were originally developed in the late nineteenth century in Great Britain
by William Wilson. Wilson is believed to have been the First Baths Master of the Arlington Baths
Club in Glasgow. The first games of 'aquatic football' were played at the Arlington in the late 1800s
(the Club was founded in 1870), with a ball constructed of India rubber. This "water rugby" came to
be called "water polo" based on the English pronunciation of the Balti word for ball, pulu.[8][9] Early
play allowed brute strength, wrestling and holding opposing players underwater to recover the ball.
Players held underwater for lengthy periods usually surrendered possession. The goalie stood
outside the playing area and defended the goal by jumping in on any opponent attempting to score
by placing the ball on the deck.

Rules
Main article: Rules of water polo
The rules of water polo cover the play, procedures, equipment and officiating of water polo. These
rules are similar throughout the world, although slight variations to the rules do occur regionally and
depending on the governing body. Governing bodies of water polo include FINA, the international