Yes, some water polo players wear swim caps, often under their main water polo cap (bonnet).
Water polo is a dynamic aquatic sport requiring specialized gear for safety and identification. While the primary headwear is a numbered cap called a 'bonnet', some players opt to wear an additional swim cap underneath.
Why Some Players Wear a Swim Cap
Based on available information, one common reason for wearing a swim cap under the water polo bonnet is hair protection.
As noted in a reference, "Many water polo players wear a swim cap under their bonnet to protect their hair from the chlorine". This highlights a practical concern for players who spend significant time in chlorinated pools.
Benefits of Wearing an Under-Cap:
- Chlorine Protection: Shields hair from the drying and damaging effects of chlorine.
- Hair Management: Keeps long hair contained and out of the face during intense play.
- Added Layer: Can potentially add a minor extra layer of comfort or fit adjustment under the main cap.
The Water Polo Bonnet
It's crucial to understand that the mandatory headwear for water polo is the bonnet. These are specifically designed caps, usually made of durable material, that include ear guards and numbers (1-13) for player identification during the game. One team wears white bonnets, and the other wears dark bonnets, with the goalkeepers wearing red bonnets marked '1' and '13'.
Wearing a swim cap underneath this official bonnet is a personal choice made by some players for the reasons mentioned above, rather than a requirement of the game rules.
Key Headwear Differences
Let's look at the distinction:
| Feature | Swim Cap | Water Polo Bonnet |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hair protection, hydrodynamics | Player identification, ear protection |
| Mandatory | No (in game play) | Yes |
| Design | Snug, covers hair | Ear guards, numbered, durable |
| Worn | Under bonnet (optional), training | As primary game cap |
In summary, while not all water polo players wear a swim cap, it is common practice for many to wear one beneath their regulation bonnet, primarily for hair protection against chlorine.
