What is water polo?

Water polo is a game of strength, quickness and endurance. Ball handling skills and exceptional swimming ability are especially important with the mobile, fast-paced style of game play.

Water Polo was sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in the 1800s. In 1900, water polo was the first team sport added to the Olympic Games program.

The backbone of United States Water Polo is its network of more than 400 ffiliated clubs. Ranging in membership from as few as eight players to more than 150, these organizations conduct sanctioned practices, tournaments, league play, coaching programs, educational and development clinics, exhibitions and other promotional recreational and educational activities. The club program is among the most important components in retaining membership of water polo in this country; its growth is crucial to the sport.

What is "United States Water Polo" ?

United States Water Polo, Inc., (USWP) is the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States.

Founded in 1978, USWP is a membership organization with more than 20,000 registered members. The organization selects and trains teams which represent the United States in international competition and also sanctions competitions and manages clinics, seminars and other events.

USWP is a member of the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and United States Aquatic Sports, Inc. (USAS).

Please visit the USWP Water Polo rules and strategy web site for more details about the sport.