1. The History of Water Polo
Ethan Vermeersch
Professor Ramos
Engl 1a
March 5, 2017

2. Origins
Water Polo was invented in the mid-eighteenth century in England.
The objective was to swim to the pool deck within the posts and place the ball on the deck.
The game was much more aggressive and violent until rules were invented in Scotland in 1880, which shifted the game’s focus to more skill rather than force.
i. The most notable rule was that you were only able to attack the player with possession of the ball.
ii. Nets were also introduced, which greatly changed the game’s play style because it allowed the players to “throw” the ball into the goal rather than requiring them to swim it to the deck.

3. Origins (continued)
Other countries, such as Hungary, Germany, Belgium, France, and Austria adopted the Scottish ruleset when they were introduced to the sport in the late 1800s.
The United States was eventually introduced to the sport in 1888

4. Play Style Changes
Similar to the rule changes in regards to making the game less violent, water polo has emerged into more in-game strategy and skill when the Scottish rules came into play.
i. One of the most common plays the player used to do was to place the ball under their swim trunks and swim the ball to the deck.
ii. With the introduction of nets, players or now able to run “plays” and use strategy and skill to score the ball.

5. “Blood in the Water Match”
During the 1956 Olympics, Hungary faced the USSR in the semi-final match.
i. The USSR had invaded Hungary to vanquish an anti-communist uprising four weeks prior to the game, causing lots of bad blood between the two teams.
The game consisted of many brawls that were so brutal that the officials called the game off altogether.
i. Hungary was leading 4-0 when they game was called off, declaring them the winner.
ii. Hungary proceeded to the final match and eventually won the gold.
The game became known as the “Blood in the Water Match.”

6. Water Polo is Introduced to the Olympics
As Water Polo was being introduced to more countries and regions around the world, it became one of the most popular sports in the world during the late 1800s.
Because of its vast popularity at the time, it became the first team sport to be added to the Olympic Games Program and has been an Olympic sport ever since 1900.

7. Popularity Growth
The United States developed their own play style when they were introduced to the sport.
i. The play style became known as the “American play style” which was similar to a rugby-type game, instead in the water.
The violent and aggressive play style of the Americans gained much more spectators, as violence was Water Polo’s main attraction.
The American play style helped Water Polo gain more popularity for nearly 25 years, until US teams finally agreed to play under the international (Scottish) rules in 1914.

8. Water Polo has emerged into one of the most popular sports worldwide since its invention in the mid-1800s.
Throughout the last century, it has become popular in many parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and a vast majority of European countries.
There have been many clubs formed for people to play, as well as High School and College teams, which has also made water polo much more popular among people.

9. Work Cited
History of the Game of Water Polo, non-educational
Facts and Information About Water Polo/Water Polo History, non-educational
The History Of Water Polo/Origin and Early Rules, non-educational

10. Picture Links