Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rule changes on game-related statistics in men’s water polo matches. A total of 856 men’s matches played in all Olympic Games and World Championship since 1936 was analysed. The game-related statistics considered were: total goals, winners’ goals, losers’ goals, goals per minute, goals difference, relationship difference goals and total goals, and relationship difference goals and winners’ goals. The rule changes were grouped by structural (game and period) and functional changes (possession time, exclusion time, timing, minimum distance to take a direct shot). Differences between rule changes were determined using a one-way ANOVA. In general, the changes in water polo rules were shown to have an effect on the final result of the matches. There were differences in each rule change of duration (increased total goals and winners’ goals), period (increased total goals and winners’ goals), possession time (increased losers’ goals), timing (increased total, winners’, losers’, and decreased % goals and total goals) and fouls (increased total goals and losers’ goals). The analysis in game-related statistics through the rule changes could be used to evaluate their effects and/or justify future modifications.
Highlights
Effects of rule changes in team sports are rarely researched [1]
Water polo rules are grouped in structural and in functional aspects
This study aims to understand the effects of such rule changes and to justify potential changes in the future
Summary
Effects of rule changes in team sports are rarely researched [1]. Water polo has shown relevant rule changes since its beginning as the first team sport at the Olympic Games in Paris 1900 [2,3]. Water polo has a large following in Europe, but it is undergoing rapid growth in the United States and Australia [4]. The rules of sport affect both structural or quantitative (i.e., space, time, equipment, and number of players) and functional or qualitative (the player’s use of structural elements) aspects [5]. Water polo rules are grouped in structural (match length, period length, and field dimensions) and in functional aspects (possession time, exclusion time, timing, and fouls, among others).
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