James Roy Smith (1904–1986) was a California

water polo Water polo is a competitive sport, competitive team sport played in water between two teams of seven players each. The game consists of four quarters in which the teams attempt to score goals by throwing the water polo ball, ball into the oppo ...

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 A water polo ball is a ball used in water polo and canoe polo, usually characterized by a bright yellow color and ease of grip ability, so as to allow it to be held with one hand despite its large size. Standard water polo ball characterist ...

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 The International Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum (ISHOF) is a history museum and hall of fame, located at One Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, operated by private interests and serving as the central point for the s ...

References

International Swimming Hall of Fame biographyUS Water Polo Hall of Fame
1904 births 1986 deaths American water polo coaches {{US-waterpolo-bio-stub

See also

References