Jun. 21, 2008 - Water Polo

Hello, it's good that the weekend is coming and everyone can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather here in London. However, I am a hay fever sufferer and have to try to avoid outdoor activities where there are trees and lawns, but being near the water, by the water or in the water is always good for me.  Well, that leads to today's topic: Water Polo .

In the swimming pool you will see an area of 30m in length and 20m in width is marked out for this competition. Each game in the competition lasts for 28 minutes playing time and the competition comprises four seven-minute quarters.

Goal posts are erected at each end of the chosen pool.  These posts must be 90 centimetres above the water. The water in the pool must be at least 1.8m deep, with a temperature of between 25 degrees and 27 degrees Centigrade.

There are seven players on each team, including the goalkeeper . These players may use any part of the body to score a goal, except a clenched fist . If the team in possession fails to shoot at the goal within 35 seconds, then the opposing team takes possession.

In the men's event, 12 teams take part. Four of these teams move up to the quarter finals .

Six women's teams play a round robin round. The top four advance to the semi-finals.