Beginning in 1890 softball water polo was played in the United States until 1935. The American softball style was developed to suit the small pools that were common then in the United States. There were few rules and any player within 4 yards of the goal could be tackled whether he had the ball or not. Goals were scored by touching goal boards 4 feet long by 1 foot high, at each end of the pool. This is the version of the sport that was played at the 1904 Olympic Games, in St. Louis and explains why only American teams were entered. Filmed at the New York Athletic Club and Boston Athletic Club. Source:courtesy of Bruce Wigo; International Swimming Hall of Fame
