James R. Smith
Encyclopedia
James R. Smith was an early 20th Century California water polo
player and coach. He developed many of the modern rules which are used in competition today, including the use of the yellow rubberized ball adopted by FINA in 1956.
Smith authored several books on aquatic coaching and the mechanics of play. His 1936 book, Playing and Coaching Water Polo, was the first text on the sport. At the same time, Smith developed a water polo ball
made with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, which improved performance.
In 1990, the United States Water Polo Award was established in memory of Jimmie Smith and his contributions to the sport of water polo. The award is given annually to an individual or group, recognizing outstanding contributions to water polo in the United States. The trophy is exhibited at the International Swimming Hall of Fame
.
Water polo
Water polo is a team water sport. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Game play involves swimming, treading water , players passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing into a...
player and coach. He developed many of the modern rules which are used in competition today, including the use of the yellow rubberized ball adopted by FINA in 1956.
Smith authored several books on aquatic coaching and the mechanics of play. His 1936 book, Playing and Coaching Water Polo, was the first text on the sport. At the same time, Smith developed a water polo ball
Water polo ball
A water polo ball is a ball used in water polo and canoe polo, usually characterized by a bright yellow colour and ease of gripability, so as to allow it to be held with one hand despite its large size.-Standard water polo ball characteristics:...
made with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, which improved performance.
In 1990, the United States Water Polo Award was established in memory of Jimmie Smith and his contributions to the sport of water polo. The award is given annually to an individual or group, recognizing outstanding contributions to water polo in the United States. The trophy is exhibited at the International Swimming Hall of Fame
International Swimming Hall of Fame
The International Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum is a history museum and hall of fame, located at One Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of swimming in the United States and around...
.