1908: Tough game between NYAC and Chicago

Article published in "The New York Times" in March 1908:" A terrific game of Water Polo between the New York Athletic Club and the Chicago Athletic Club teams closed the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championship in the tank of NYAC. Rough play and charges of foul tactics marked the bitter contest from first to last, and because of the disabling of players on two occasions play was interrupted. In that style at the end of the regular two periods of 8 min. play each, the score then standing 1 to 1...".

Its is said that following this match the AAU suspended Water Polo from its list of sanctioned Sports and consequently USA did not send a team to the London 1908 Olympic Games.

Source: A History of USA Water Polo in the Olympic Games; The New York Times of March 29th, 1908; picture ISHOF

1904, St. Louis: The winners of New York Athletic Club

The team of "New York Athletic Club" winners of St.Louis 1904 Olympic Games. The NYAC team captured the gold medal by defeating the Missouri AC with 5-0 and the Chicago AA with 6-0. Standing L-R: Dave Bratton, George Van Cleaf, Budd Goodwin, Joe Ruddy, Fred Wenck. Seated L-R: Dave Hesser, (Lou) Louis de Breda Handley, Gus Sundstrom (coach), E.Wenck and Jim Steen.
Source: A history of USA Water Polo in the Olympic Games; Photo ISHOF

1906: Rules for the benefit of the game, USA

Article within “The New York Times” of December 25th, 1906 concerning amendments to the Water polo rules…decided by the AUA, for the benefit ...of the game.
“The promised amendments to the rules governing the game of Water Polo, which have been anxiously awaited by players and the public for nearly two years, have been materialized, and the next Championship tournament will be held under the revised code. Contrary to the expectation very few changes have been made that will materially alter the style of play now in vogue. Westerns were known to be strongly in favor of the tightly inflated ball, which would open up the game and do away with the fierce scrimmages that now take place when the goal is attacked, but law makers thought this too radical a departure from the present style, and seven – eight inflation of the ball was prescribed instead.
The other changes briefly:
Introduction of the ring attachment to hold the ball in the center of the pool until the player have dive after it.
Replacement of the referee’s pistol with a whistle…
Referees will be managed by the AAU so to reduce impartial officiating by referees belonging to the competing Clubs.
No games will be finishing with tie. An extra period will last until one team scores the first goal.
The rules of fouls have been corrected in several points and new penalty made applicable. If the referee considers any fouling in the light of unnecessary rough work he may send the offender to the side lines for periods of time according the degree of the offence. ….An effort was made to define in detail what constituted unnecessarily rough work, but the task was found too great, and the Comitee decided that the best solution of the problem was to look for able and impartial referees and to leave it to their ….discretion.
Source: New York Times, Deember 25th, 1906

1904: The pool of New York Athletic Club

The New York Athelic Club, swimming pool (marble baths) in 1904. This was the venue of the legendary team of NYAC, winner of the first US Water Polo in early 1900's. Picture within an article of "The New York Times" of December 25th, 1904.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/,

1904: The legendary L.de B.Handley, USA

Picture within an article of "The New York Times" of February 28th, 1904 presenting Louis de Breda Handley. Louis de Breda Handley, considered as one of the pioneers of US Water Polo and swimming, was born in Rome in 1874. He came to New York in 1896 and joined the Knickerbocker Atheltic Club then the New York Athelic Club, where he competed successfully in Football, Water polo, Yachting and Swimming. In the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Games, he won gold medals in both Water Polo and relay swimming as a member of the winning U.S. teams. From 1898 to 1911, Louis de Breda Handley helped to win all but one of the AAU National Indoor and Outdoor Water Polo Championships.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/, http://www.ishof.org/, Colwin, Cecil M. (1995). L. de B. Handley, The "Gentleman Jim" of Swimming, "Swim Canada," 22 (7), Jul., 16-1

1900’s: “Water Polo” by L.de B.Handley

Picture of a Water polo action published in early 1900's within the book of the legendary Louis de Breda Handley “Water Polo”, edited by "Spalding’s Athletic Library”.
Source: www.gutenberg.org/

1938: Match in Silver Springs,Florida

Contest between the University of Florida and the Silver Springs,Florida held in 1938 in Silver Springs Lake, Florida. The picture's comment: "A pass is attempted in mid-course as the game gets under way. The ball is only partially inflated so that it can be grasped easily. After each goal both 5-man teams line upunder their respective goals and the referee (in the boat) throws the ball into the centee of the course. There is a 5-minute rest between the 8-minutes periods".

Source: magazine "LOOK" Aug. 30, 1938

1938: Practice in the New York Athletic Club

Members of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) during a practice workout in the NYAC pool in 1938.
Source: Collier's National weekly 1938.

1899: Water Polo at Madison Square Garden

Match for the 2nd official US National Championship held at Madison Square Garden, New York in 1899. The picture was published in Collier's weekly.
Source: A history of USA Water Polo in the Olympic Games

1912: The team of "Chelsea", England

The Water Polo team and officials of "Chelsea", England in 1912.
Source: personal collection

1911: The players of "Chelsea", England

A group of Water Polo players of "Chelsea" in 1911. Chelsea is an area of West London, England bounded to the south by the river Thames.
Source: personal collection

1960: The Greek team in Zagreb

Players of the Greek National team sight seeing at the center of Zagreb in 1960, prior to friendly games against the team of Yugoslavia. Standing third from left is Lambros Konstandopoulos, one of the most important Greek officials. Standing at the right side is Andreas Garyfallos and at the right of the front row Makis Charitos.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos

1960: The Greek team in Israel

The Greek Water Polo team an swimmers at friendly competitions in Israel 1960. Among the payers are: Andreas Garyfallos, Manolis Patlakas, Petros Kalfamanolis, Dinos Mourtzis, Yiannis Thymaras, Nikos Bistis, Nikos Molochas.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos.

1959, Beirut: The Greek team against Spain

The National team of Greece during the presentation of the game agaist Spain at the 3rd Mediterranean Games in Beirut, Lebanon 1959. Fourt from left is standing the Greek Captain Andreas Garyfallos.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos

1959, Beirut: The National team of Greece

The National team of Greece at the 3rd Mediterranean Games in Beirut, Lebanon 1959. Standing into the middle is Andreas Garyfallos.

Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos

1958, Budapest: Andreas Garyfallos, Greece

Andreas Garyfallos, the “Patriarch” of Greek Water Polo during Budapest 1958 European Championships. Andreas Garyfallos won 18 Greek National titles and 6 Greek Cups with the team of Ethnicos Piraeus and had 140 participations with the Greek National team. He has been Head Coach of the Greek National team for 15 years, leading Greece into three Olympic Games, five World championships and six European Champs.

Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos

1958, Budapest: The Greek team marching

The Greek National team marching during the opening ceremony of Budapest 1958, European Championship. Andreas Garyfallos, the captain of the Greek team is the flag bearer.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Avgoustis Vintzileos

1954: The players of Greek National team

Poster presenting the players of the Greek National team in 1954. From top and L-R: Kalfamanolis, Kasidocostas, Kavatzas, Fortis, Orfanos, Ganasoulis, Lazaridis, Telionis, Chatzikyriakakis, Garyfallos, Zisimos, Giouzelis, Markouizos I, Gerararakis, Markouizos II, Moutsatsos, Kourandis, Andreadis.

Source: arhive of Mr. Andreas Garyfallos

1951, Alexandria: The National team of Greece

The National team of Greece at the 1st Mediterranean Games held in Alexandria, Egypt on 1951. Seating third from left is the legendary Greek player and coach Andreas Garyfallos. Greece lost against Egypt with 5-1 and won the bronze medal. First was ranked the team of Spain and second Egypt.
Source: Archives of Ethnicos Piraeus.

1924: The Champions of "Libellule de Paris"

The team of "Libellule de Paris" winner of the 1924 French Championship. From L-R: Jorre, Mayaud, Baberter, Rigal, Brasier, Bertrand, Seghers.
Source: Le miroir des Sports; 1924

1924: Libellule wins against E.N.Tourcoing

Final match for the 1924 French Championship between the teams of "Libellule de Paris" and "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing". "Libellule de Paris" won the National Championship by winning the final match with 3-2. The final games of the Championship were held at the pool "Stade Nautique des Tourelles" of Paris with the participation of the teams: E.N.Tourcoing, Libellule de Paris, S.C.U.F, and the "Societe de Natation de Strasbourg".
Source: Le miroir des Sports; 1924

1930: The team of France in Nuremberg

The National team of France during the 6 Nations tournament held in Nuremberg, Germany 25 to 31 August 1930. The players: Thevenon, Bultel, Vandevenne, Tisson, Vandepancke and Parent.
Source: Le miroir des Sports; 1930

1930: Germany wins against France

International tournament in Nuremberg, Germany in 1930, with the participation of Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, England and France. The photo corresponds to the game between the National teams of France and Germany won by the Germans with 11-0. “The goalie of France, Ragot cannot stop the shot of the German Amanu”.
Hungary won this 6 Nation tournament by beating Germany with 4-1.
Source: Le miroir des Sports; 1930

1896: The team of Bury, Manchester

The Water Polo team of Bury in 1896. Bury is a town in Great Manchester, England. It lies on the river Irwell, north-northwest of the city of Manchester.
Source: personal collection

1955: The team of "SNC Civitavecchia"

The team of "SNC Civitavecchia" 2nd at the 1955 C' division Italian Championship. Standing L-R: Massimo Palomba, Spartaco Pucci, Eros Stella, Franco Palomba, Saul Stella. Seating L-R: Renato di Gennaro (team Manager), Maurizio Gargiullo, Guldo Izzi, Renzo Vercesi. Missing: Ivano Spuri, Castelluci, Bomba, Tartaglia and the coach Raul di Gennaro.
Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1953: The team of "SNC Civitavecchia"

The team of "SNC Civitavecchia" during a training into the port of Civitavecchia in 1953. The players: Albe, Palomba F., Palomba M., Stella, Gargiullo, Pateri and Pucci.
Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1950: The team of "SNC Civitavecchia"

The team of "SNC Civitavecchia" that partecipated for the first time into the C' division of the Italian Championship in 1950. The team: Renato Razzetti, Spartaco Pucci, Giuseppe Cerulli, Ivano Spuri, Franco Soresina, Lorenzo Villiani, Alfio Flores. Missing from the picture the goalkeeper Sabatini. Coach of the team was: Raul Di Gennaro.

Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1949: The team "Settebello", Civitavecchia

The team of "Settebello", Civitavecchia that took part at the "Torneo Cittadini" in Civitavecchia 1949. The team: Sabatini G., Panunzi, Tamagnini, Rocchi II, Florentini, Rocchi I, Tartaglia.
Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1949: The team "Rinascita", Civitavecchia

The team of "Rinascita", Civitavecchia that took part at the "Torneo Cittadini" in Civitavecchia 1949. The team: Tullio Galli, Ivo Flores, Emilio Antonini, Alfio Flores, Sandro Foschi, Ivano Spuri and Renato Lombardi.
Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1948: The team "Universitari", Civitavecchia

The team of "Universitari"- Civitavecchia, that participated to the 1948 "Torneo citadini". The team: Giuseppe Cerulli, Spartaco Pucci, Lorenzo Villani, Franco Soresina, Renato Razzetti, Alvaro Mei, Renzo Vervesi.
Source: I nostri primi 40 anni; SNC Civitavecchia

1964, Tokyo: Water Polo ticket

Ticket of the preliminary round of Men's Water Polo at the Tokyo 1964, Olympic Games.

Source: private collection

1928, Amsterdam: The result of a rough play

An incident during a game of Amsterdam 1928 Olympics showing the result of unnecessarily rough play........(interesting picture revealing the athlete's underware during this period).
Source: Water Polo book of Captain D.A.C. Shephard

1928, Amsterdam: Great Britain vs Holland 5-3

Match for the preliminary round of Amsterdam 1928, Olympic Games between the team of Great Britain and Holland (Netherlands). Referee of the match won by the British team with 5-3 was the legendary Paul Beulque of France. Great Britain: L.Ablett, N.V.Beaman, R.Hodgson, E.H.Temme, P.Radmilovic, E.P.Peter, J.E.C. Budo. The Dutch team: A van Olst, J.B. van Silfhout, A.H.C.van Senus, J.J.Kohler, C.C.Leenheer, J.H.Scholte, J.Kohler.
Source: Official report Amsterdam 1928 Olympics; Water Polo book of Captain D.A.C. Shephard

1928: Match in pool of Skegness, UK

Water Polo match of the English team, considered as trial, prior to Amsterdam 1928, Olympics, held at the open air pool of Skegness. Skegness is a seaside town within the East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, England.
Source: Water Polo book by Captain D.A.C. Shephard, 1930

1930: Water Polo book by D.A.C.Shephard

Book about Water Polo with title" The game and the rules explained" witten by Captain DAC Shephard. The book was published by Chapman and Hall Ltd, Great Britain in 1930. Photo of the cover: Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games (final match in progress).

Source: personal collection

1946: The winners of "Jadran" Split

The team of "Jadran", Split winner of the National Championship in 1946. Standing L-R: M.Brajnovic, L.Stakula, Z.Radic, D.Katuranic. Seating L-R: V.Bakasun, Miro Mihovilovic, I.Giovanelli.
Source: '20 Jadran-Koteks'90; courtesy of Mr. Andro Franicevic.

1939: The Champions of "HPK Jadran", Split

The team of "Hrvatski Plivacki Jadran" winner of the National Championship in 1939. Standing L-R: Vojko Pavicic, Branko Petrone, Filip Bonacic, Marko Brajnovic. Seating L-R: Vjeran Birimisa, Miro Mihoviloc, Ivo Giovanelli.
Source: '20 Jadran-Koteks'90; courtesy of Mr. Andro Franicevic.

1936, Berlin: Miro Mihovilovic in action

The legendary goalkeper of Jadran, Split Miro Mihovilovic, in action during the match of Yugoslavia against Hungary in Berlin, 1936 Olympic Games. Yugoslavia who was participating for the 1st time to the Olympics, lost from Hungary with 4-1. The team of Hungary: Brody, Sarkany, Homonnai, Halassy, Brandy, Nemeth, Bozsi. Yugoslavia: Mihovilovic, Tarana, Cvijetkovic, Roje, Bonacic, Toslovic.
Source: Official Report Berlin 1936 Olympic Games

1935: The team of JSK Jadran, Split

The team of JSK Jadran, Split in 1935. Standing L-R: Miro Mihovilovic, Filip Bonacic, Branko Petrone, Vojko Pavicic. Seating L-R: Ivo Giovanelli, Krsto Pasinovic, Nilo Nonkovic.

Source: '20 Jadran-Koteks '90; courtesy of Mr. Andro Franicevic.

1932: Match into the sea-pool of Split

Water Polo match into the sea-pool of Split, Croatia in 1932.
Source: '20 Jadran - Koteks '90. Courtesy of Mr. Andro Franicevic