Underwater rugby

UW-rugby match 1

UV rugby spilleområde

UWR tackle in Sydney

Underwater rugby is a team sport played underwater in a swimming pool. The objective of the game is to score goals by placing a ball into the opposing team's goal, which is located at the bottom of the pool. The sport is played in a three-dimensional space, making it unique among team sports.

History

Underwater rugby originated in Germany in the early 1960s. It was initially developed as a training exercise for divers but quickly evolved into a competitive sport. The first official game was played in 1961, and the sport has since grown in popularity, particularly in Europe.

Rules

The game is played with two teams, each consisting of six players in the water and six substitutes. The ball used is filled with a saline solution, making it negatively buoyant. The goals are heavy metal baskets placed at the bottom of the pool, one at each end.

Gameplay

The game begins with a face-off, where the ball is placed in the center of the pool, and players from both teams race to gain possession. Players can pass the ball in any direction, but it must remain underwater. Physical contact is allowed, but actions such as pulling on an opponent's equipment or holding them are prohibited.

Scoring

A goal is scored when the ball is placed into the opposing team's basket. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. Matches are typically divided into two halves, each lasting 15 minutes, with a short break in between.

Equipment

Players wear standard swimming gear, including fins, masks, and snorkels. Additionally, they wear protective gear such as water polo caps with ear guards to prevent injuries.

Competitions

Underwater rugby is governed by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). The sport features various national and international competitions, including the Underwater Rugby World Championships and continental championships.

Training

Training for underwater rugby involves a combination of swimming, diving, and ball-handling skills. Players also undergo rigorous physical conditioning to improve their strength, endurance, and breath-holding capabilities.

Related Pages

• Underwater sports
• Water polo
• Swimming
• Diving
• Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques