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ILLPOLO MAILBAG

Last updated: 5.21.2004

 

We receive a large volume of emails over the course of each week. While some of the questions or comments require a personal response, there are some questions which can help the vast majority of our readers better understand our thoughts, rules, or water polo in general. We will not use a person's name when they send an email, nor will we include any kind of questions which involve individual players. We think you will enjoy this column.

 

Why are water polo balls yellow? - Jillian Haslett

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After World War II, yellow was adopted for better visibility based on the Navy's air-sea rescue equipment research in 1948.

 

Does a shot count if it goes in after the buzzer? - Jason Petty

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Once the ball has left the hand, it is counted as a goal if it goes in even after time has expired.

 

What were some of the weird rules that existed when water polo was first introduced? - Mitul Haldaria

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At first, players scored by planting the ball on the end of the pool with both hands. A favorite trick of the players was to place the five-to-nine inch rubber ball inside their swimming suit and dive under the murky water, then appear again as near the goal as possible.

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If the player came up too near the goal, he was promptly jumped on by the goalie, who was permitted to stand on the pool deck. Games were often nothing more than gang fights in the water as players ignored the ball, preferring underwater wrestling matches that usually ended with one man floating to the surface unconscious.

 

Are there any players in the USWP Hall of Fame from Illinois? - Roberto Salazar

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US Water Polo has an extensive listing of the Hall of Fame members listed on their website. I counted 20 total players that are listed as being from Illinois. Follow the link to access the most recent Hall of Fame list. (www.uswp.com)

 

What is the difference between club and Varsity water polo at the collegiate level? - Tim Tsalimas

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Varsity teams are organized and supervised by their athletic departments, have paid coaches, and follow the NCAA rules and regulations affecting eligibility.

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The collegiate club teams on the other hand are normally student-run. Some teams do have coaches and some of these coaches are paid, although none are full-time. They are not required to meet NCAA eligibility requirements, they do not offer scholarships, and the programs are supervised by their sport club or intramural offices.

(www.collegiatewaterpolo.org)

 

How often will this mailbag be updated? - Patrick Johnson

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Once I get enough emails or think of enough questions to update it. I would say on a weekly basis if possible.


 

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