History of Water Polo
- Water Polo emerged as a sport in the US and Europe.
- The European version of the game is the current international standard.
- The game consists of seven man teams playing for four seven –minute sessions.
- Mens water polo was introduced in the Olympic program in 1900.
- Woman’s polo was introduced only in 2000.
- Hungary has won the maximum medals for the sport in Olympic history.
Venues for Water Polo in Beijing Olympics 2008
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games water polo event for men and women will be held at Ying Tung Natatorium.
Water Polo Quota
- 156 men's players (12 teams of 13 players each)
- 104 women's players (8 teams of 13 players each)
- Total of 260 athletes
Playing Field for Water Polo
- The responsibility for the measurement and markings of the playing area lies with the promoting organization.
- The organization will also provide all fixtures and equipment.
- There will be one Referee seated on the opposite side of the judges seated area.
- The distance between the goal lines shall be not less than 20 meters and not more than 30 meters for games played by men.
- The distance between the goal lines shall be not less than 20 meters and not more than 25 meters for games played by women.
- The width of the field of play shall be not less than 10 meters and not more than 20 meters.
- The boundary of the field of play at each end shall be 0.30 meters behind the goal line.
- The secretary shall be provided with separate red, white and blue flags.
- Enough space around the [play field for the Referee and judges to move about.
Marks for Water Polo
Distinctive marks on both sides of the field of play will be present:
- White marks - goal line and half distance line
- Red marks - 2 meters from goal lines (re-entry area)
- Yellow marks - 5 meters from goal lines
- Green marks – 10 meters from goal lines (half distance)
Rules for Water Polo
- A maximum of eight teams can enter the competition.
Team selection can be done as follows:
- Three highest ranking teams from the previous World Championships will be included.
- One winning team from the Continental Championships will be included.
- Vacancy will be occupied by the next highest ranking team from the Continental Championships.
- Each team consists of seven players and a maximum of six players in reserve.
- Teams with less than seven players do not require to have a goalkeeper.
- There may be upto two referees and two goal judges.
- While one referee in mandatory, a goal judge is not.
- The goal judges will be situated on the same side as the officiating table.
- The game will be played in four sessions of eight minutes each.
- When the entire ball passes fully over the goal line, between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar, it is counted as a goal.
- A goalkeeper is not permitted to cross the half-line.
- Players are not permitted to score a goal by using a closed fist.
Water Polo Events in Beijing Olympics 2008
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