Water Polo
today's hot new Sport Fast…Physical…Exciting
Early beginnings
Water polo first originated in England during the 1870's. Legend has it
the sport was developed by spirited young men who wanted to play rugby
and cool off at the same time. Goalies were known to block opponents by
holding their heads underwater until they were unconscious. Other early
forms of play saw players riding on floating "horses' made of wooden
barrels.
First Olympic team sport Men's water polo was the first team sport entered into Olympic
competition. Those were the Games of 1900. After a long wait--100 years
to be exact--women's water polo made it's Olympic debut in Sydney,
Australia in 2000. It is the only team sport played in the water.
Today's hot new sport Although water polo originated more than 100 years ago and
historically has been long dominated by eastern European countries it is
a hot, new sport in both Canada and the U.S. Players and spectators love
the fast paced action and physical nature of the game. Whether it is the
motion and jockeying for position, the wicked shooting or the rugged
defense, water polo intrigues fans and even the uninitiated find it
exciting.
Best conditioned athletes in the world A game of extreme physical contact, it has been called " the most
physically demanding and mentally challenging of all sports" by leading
exercise physiologists. Not only are water polo players considered to be
among the best conditioned athletes in the world covering up to 5
kilometers in an hour and 15 minute game but they are continuously
stopping and starting motion, thinking about where the ball is and where
it is going and working together in sync with 6 other team mates.
Canada is recognized as a water polo powerhouse Canada is fast becoming recognized as a water polo power house. The
caliber of our teams is increasing dramatically and now poses a serious
challenge to the eastern European stronghold of the past. National Teams
from Youth to Senior levels consistently medal in international
competition, World Championships, World Aquatic Championships and the
Pan Am Games.
Hooked from the start It seems all water polo players, tell a similar story, one of being
hooked from the very start. Maybe it's the unique blend of swimming,
basketball, soccer, hockey and wrestling. Certainly it is this
similarity to many sports that attracts a wide variety of athletes, from
synchronized swimmers to soccer, basketball, football and rugby players.
Beginning as early as 8 years old and playing well into their 30's and
40's, it has been said that water polo is a game that takes a few
moments to learn and a lifetime to perfect.
Perhaps it is that mastery that keeps players and spectators hooked.
- Cheryl Wilson-Stewart
Polo Notes and
Things to Know
Upcoming events:
Communications: We usually do a lot of our Water Polo communications via email. Coaches will post tournament rosters and game schedules on our bulletin board by the
trophy case. Additionally, all information will be posted to the website as it
is received, so check here often, as all information received over the course of
the summer season is posted within 24 hours. In case of last minute changes to a
schedule or roster, coaches will contact all members affected by telephone.
Dry-land and Conditioning:
Will be incorporated prior to or after practices. There will also be a theory
component on tactical skills lingo and rule incorporation.
Evaluations:
Each athlete will receive a skills and tactic checklist on what will be covered
over the season. The coaches will do a year-end evaluation for each athlete.
Tournament Availability:
Everyone will receive a tournament availability sheet to be filled out and
returned to Kelsey ASAP!
Are you aware that all three of the
disciplines offered by the Neptunes can give you high school credits?
That's right, your hard work at practice can give you an extra credit!
For example if you're a grade 10
swimmer who is swimming at a BC Provincial Championship standard, or, a
Synchro swimmer who is on a performance Development squad, you can apply
through your school to the Ministry of Education for an external
credentials credit equivalent to a class credit. If you are in grades
10-12, then check with your high school
for more details!
Water Polo Facts:
Water polo was devised in England in the
1870s and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century.
It is played mainly by club teams, although it is also popular in
collegiate competition. Water polo has been a men's Olympic event since
1900 - women's water polo was first played at the games in 2000
Most Olympic Wins (Men)
Hungary has won the Olympic tournament most often, with eight wins, in
1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000 and 2004.
Since women's water polo was introduced at the 2000 Games, the winners
have been Australia in 2000 and Italy in 2004.
Most International Water Polo Goals
The greatest number of goals scored by an individual in an international
match is 13 by Debbie Handley for Australia (16) v. Canada (10) at the
World Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1982.
Haney Neptunes - last update
10/17/2009
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