Rules of water polo
The rules of water polo are the rules and regulations which cover the play, procedure, equipment and officiating of water polo. These rules are similar throughout the world, although slight variations do occur regionally and depending on the governing body. Governing bodies of water polo include FINA, the international governing organization for the rules; the NCAA, which govern the rules for collegiate matches in the United States; the NFHS, which govern the rules in high schools in the USA; and the IOC, which govern the rules at Olympic events.
Core rules
Number of players
Senior games consist of seven players from each team that are allowed in the playing area of the pool during gameplay. FINA reduced the number of players in U20 competitions that they sanction to six in 2014; those changes have applied to all levels of the game since the 2016 Summer Olympics. If a player commits an exclusion foul, then that team will play with one player fewer until the player is allowed to re-enter. If a player commits a particularly violent act, such as striking a player, then the referee may signal a brutality foul, in which case that team is required to play with one fewer player in the water for 4 minutes, besides the culprit being ejected . Plus, the culprit may not be allowed to compete in a given number of future games depending on the governing body.Players may be substituted in and out after goals, during timeouts, between quarters, and after injuries. During game play, players enter and exit in the corner of the pool, or in front of their goal. When play is stopped, they may enter or exit anywhere.
If at any time during play a team has more players in the pool than they are allowed, a penalty is given to the opposing team. If a team starts with less than six outfield players, the referee may yellow card the coach for allowing it to happen and give a major foul to the opposition on 6 metres, if the 6th player then joins the game illegally.
A variation is Beach water polo, which has four players including the goal keeper, and a smaller field, and some other differing rules.
Caps
The two opposing teams must wear caps which contrast:- with both goalkeeper cap color,
- with the other team's cap color and
- with the ball color.
For NFHS, CWPA, and NCAA rules the home team is dark and the away team is white.
The water polo cap is used to protect the players' heads and ears, and the numbers on them make them identifiable from afar, especially by the referee. Both goalies wear red or red striped caps. The first choice goalkeeper is usually marked "1" with the reserve being marked "13" or "1A".
Duration of the game
The game is divided into four periods; the length depends on the level of play. There is no overtime in international water polo, and games proceed to a shootout if a victor is required. At the collegiate level there are two straight 3-minute periods; and if still tied, multiple 3-minute golden goal overtime periods thereafter. Lower levels of play have different overtime rules depending on the organization.| Level of play | Team level | Time each period | Authority | Notes |
| Olympics | National | 8 minutes | FINA | |
| FINA Water Polo World League | National | 8 minutes | FINA | |
| European Leagues | Club | 8 minutes | LEN | |
| Senior club play | Club | 9 minutes | FINA | |
| US College | Varsity | 8 minutes | CWPA | |
| US College | Club | 7 minutes | CWPA | |
| US High School | Varsity | 7 minutes | NFHS | |
| US High School | Junior Varsity | 6 minutes | NFHS | |
| US High School | Freshman/Sophomore | 5-6 minutes | NFHS | |
| USA Water Polo | 14 and unders | 5-7 minutes | USAWPR |
Game and shot clock
The game clock is stopped when the ball is not in play. As a result, the average quarter lasts around 12 minutes of real time. A team may not have possession of the ball for longer than 30 seconds without shooting for the goal unless an opponent commits an ejection foul. After 30 seconds, possession passes to the other team, and the shot-clock is reset. The clock is also reset for 30 seconds after a goal or neutral throw, or penalty in which possession is exchanged.However, if a team shoots the ball within the allotted time, and regains control of the ball, the shot clock is reset to 20 seconds. It is also reset for 20 seconds after a major foul, corner throw, or rebound from a penalty throw if the attacking team retain possession.
The presence of a shot-clock leads one of the key concepts in water polo: you do not need the ball. It will come back to you, e.g. after a goal, failed goal attempt, or at the end of the shot-clock period. So, it is not necessary to try to take the ball off your opponent, in an over-aggressive manner; as this risks a major foul, which gives your opponent another 20 seconds. You lose a player and they gain more time. So the art of defence is to 'press' your opponent, slow down the play and wait for the ball.
Pool dimensions
Dimensions of the water polo pool are not fixed and can vary between 20×10 and 30×20 meters, therefore short course pools can be used. Minimum water depth must be least 1.8 meters, but this is often not the case due to nature of the pool. The goals are 3 meters wide and 90 centimeters high.The middle of the pool is designated by a white line. Before 2005, the pool was divided by 7 and 4 meter lines. This has been merged into one 5 meter line since the 2005–2006 season, and '6 meter' line since the 2019–2020 season. The 6 meter line is marked by a yellow line. It was brought in by FINA in 2019, and relates to the method of taking a free throw after an ordinary or exclusion foul. The '5 meter' line is where penalties are shot and it is designated by a red line. The '2 meter' line is designated with a red line; and no player of the attacking team can receive a ball inside this zone.
Water polo balls are generally yellow and of varying size and weight for juniors, women and men.
In a game, if the ball goes out of the playing area, a free throw is given to the team that did not touch the ball last before it went out of play.
Also, the referee should not pick up the ball when it is at the side of the pool during a break in play, and hand it to the attacking team - as this can lead to an advantage to that team.
Gameplay
Beginning of play
In an all deep water pool, the home team starts on the left side. The teams change ends at halftime. In a pool with a shallow end, there is a toss of a coin to decide which team starts on which side. The teams change ends at the end of each quarter.At the start of each period, teams line up on their own goal line. The most common formation is for three players to go each side of the goal, while the goalkeeper stays in the goal. If the ball is to be thrown into the center of the pool, the sprinter will often start in the goal, while the goalkeeper starts either in the goal as well, or to one side of the goal.
At the referee's whistle, both teams swim to midpoint of the field as the referee drops the ball on to the water. Depending on the rules being played, this is either on the referee's side of the pool or in the center. In international competitions the ball is normally placed in the middle of the pool and is supported with a floating ring. The first team to recover the ball becomes the attacker until a goal is scored or the defenders recover the ball.
Exceptionally, a foul may be given before either team reaches the ball. This usually occurs when a player uses the side to assist themselves gain a speed advantage. In such scenarios, the non-offending team receives a free throw from the halfway line.
The swimoff occurs only at the start of periods. Thus it will either occur 2, 4 or 6 times in a match, depending on whether the match is in halves, quarters or in quarters and extends to extra time.
The referee should check the players nails before the start of play. Goggles and jewellery are not normally allowed.
Moving the ball
Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming with the ball in front of them. Players are not permitted to push the ball underwater in order to keep it from an opponent, or push or hold an opposing player unless that player is holding the ball. If a player does push the ball underwater when it is in their possession, this is called 'ball under' and will result in a 'turnover' which means the offending player has to hand the ball over to the other team. It does not matter if the player holding the ball underwater is forced to do so by an opponent. The foul is still given against them.Water polo is an intensely aggressive sport, so fouls are very common and result in a free throw during which the player cannot shoot at the goal unless outside the 6 meter line. If a foul is called outside the 6 meter line, the player may either shoot, pass or continue swimming with the ball.
Scoring
A goal is scored if the ball completely passes between the goal posts and is underneath the crossbar. If a shot bounces off a goal post back into the field of play, and the ball is regained by the attacking team, the shot clock is reset, and play continues. If the shot goes outside the goal and touches the rope, or onto the deck, a goal throw occurs, and the clock is reset. This has to be taken without delay. If the goalie, however, is the last to touch the ball before it goes out of play behind the goal line, or if a defender purposely sends the ball out, then the offense receives the ball for a 'corner throw' on the two meter line. From a corner, which also has to be taken without delay, the player can swim with the ball, shoot at goal or pass. Goals are also scored if shots are taken before shot clock hits 0 and/or game clock hits 00.0, provided the ball is free from the player's hands.When the goalie blocks a shot, the defense may gain control of the ball, and make a long pass to a teammate who stayed on his offensive end of the pool when the rest of his team was defending. This is called cherry-picking or seagulling. This can occur as there is no offside rule in water polo, unlike football. So a defending player can 'hang around' the opposition's goal.
The 'own goal' concept also does not exist in water polo like football. But they do occur and then the goal is awarded to the attacking player that last touched the ball.
Restart after a goal
After a goal is scored, the teams may line up anywhere within their own half of the pool. In practice, this is usually near the center of the pool. Play resumes when the referee signals for play to restart and the team not scoring the goal puts the ball in to play by passing it backwards to a teammate.Timeouts
Each team may call a variable number of one 1-minute timeouts or 2-minute timeouts ; and one timeout if the game goes into overtime/shootout. During game play, only the team in possession of the ball may call a timeout. Timeouts don't carry over to overtime/shootout.. The penalty for calling a timeout during play without possession of the ball is a penalty foul going against the team.FINA Water polo rules allow for two timeouts for each team in a match. They can be taken in the same period.
NCAA and NFHS rules allow for three timeouts during regulation play. If the game goes into overtime, each team is allowed one timeout for the duration of overtime.
Three short whistles are blown by the referee at 45 seconds during the timeout, and he/she waves the attacking players forward into the opponents’ half. At 60 seconds, the ball is thrown to the goalkeeper on the halfway line, who can play the ball when another long whistle is blown.
Substitutions
A substitute can enter the pool from any place during the intervals between quarters, after a goal has been scored, during a timeout and to replace an injured player; but not after a penalty. If a substitution is made during play, the head of the player leaving should be visible in the re-entry area, before the player entering the pool can go under the rope. Neither can lift the rope.Control over Conduct
Water Polo referees utilize red and yellow cards when handling bench conduct. A verbal warning may be issued depending on the severity of the infraction.A yellow card may be issued at any point in the game and can be issued via a "walking yellow" in which the referee pulls a yellow card out without stopping live play. Following the issuance of a "walking yellow", at the next stoppage of play, the referee may pull the ball out to inform the table and partner referee of the issuance of that card.
A red card can be issued to any team personnel or supporters. Following the issuance of a red card, the individual must leave the pool area, and have no further contact with the game. Red cards carry at least a one-game suspension for the offender with a report being filed to the appropriate governing authority. A red card is also given to players acquiring their second yellow card.
Fouls
Ordinary fouls
Ordinary fouls occur when a player impedes or otherwise prevents the free movement of an opponent who is not holding the ball, but has it in or near their possession. The most common is when a player reaches over the shoulder of an opponent in order to knock the ball away while in the process hindering the opponent. Offensive players may be called for a foul by pushing off a defender to provide space for a pass or shot.The referee indicates the foul with one short whistle blow and points one hand in the direction of the attacking team, who retain possession. The attacker must make a free pass without undue delay to another offensive player. If the foul has been committed outside the 6 meter line, the offensive player can attempt a direct shot on goal, but the shot must be taken immediately and in one continuous motion. If the offensive player fakes a shot and then shoots the ball, it is a turnover.
The defender has to back off to allow the free throw to be taken. In other words, they cannot simply hold their ground, to block the offensive player. The defender, at a reasonable distance, can raise their arm to compete at the free throw. The throw has to be taken without delay. The maximum time period for this is usually taken to be about 3 seconds.
If the same defender repetitively makes minor fouls, referees will exclude that player for 30 seconds. To avoid an ejection, the 'hole' defender may foul twice, and then have a wing defender switch with him so that the defense can continue to foul the 'hole man' without provoking an exclusion foul. The rule was altered to allow repeated fouls without exclusions, but is often still enforced by referees.
There are quite a few other infringements that lead to an ordinary foul, including: standing if there is a shallow end, delay taking a throw, taking a penalty throw incorrectly, touching the ball with two hands, simulate being fouled, time-wasting, and to be within two metres of the goal.
Major fouls
Major fouls are committed when the defensive player 'holds, sinks or pulls back' the offensive player. This includes swimming on the other player's legs or back, stopping the other player from swimming or otherwise preventing the offensive player from preserving his advantage.A referee signals a major foul by two short whistle bursts, then a long burst, and indicates that the player must leave the field of play and move to the penalty area for twenty seconds. The referee will first point to the player who commits the foul and will blow the whistle, then they will point to the ejection corner and blow the whistle again. The player must move to their re-entry area without impacting the natural game play and in reasonable time. A player that has been ejected thrice must sit out the rest of the match.
There are several other infringements that can lead to an exclusion foul:
- Sitting on the steps or side of pool;
- Splashing an opponent in the face;
- Interfering with a free, goal or corner throw; this includes the defender failing to release the ball, or throwing or moving it away; or attempting to play the ball before it has left the hand of the thrower;
- Blocking a pass or shot with two hands, inside 6 metres; if the referee thinks that this action would have prevented a goal, a penalty can be awarded;
- After the change of possession, for a defending player to commit any foul anywhere in the attacking team's half of the pool; this is to prevent a foul before the attacker has passed the halfway line;
- Kicking or striking an opponent ; if this occurs within 6 metres, a penalty throw is also awarded. The referee can decide to punish a kick or strike in this way, or with a Misconduct or Brutality foul depending on intent, and effect;
- For an excluded player to interfere with play, or not leave immediately. Another exclusion foul is recorded on that player, and a penalty is awarded;
- For an excluded player to re-enter improperly; e.g., without a signal from the referee, or not from the re-entry area, or by affecting the alignment of the goal. They are excluded but only one personal foul is recorded. And a penalty is awarded ;
- For the defending goalkeeper to fail to take up the correct position at the taking of a penalty throw, having been ordered once to do so by the referee.
A flagrant misconduct foul is the NFHS/ NCAA wording of FINA's brutality. Following the issuance of a flagrant misconduct foul the player is given the red card. The penalty for a flagrant misconduct is a penalty shot followed by a 6–5, regardless of the team scoring off the penalty throw. Like a brutality foul, officials must report to their relevant governing body.
A misconduct foul is an unsportsmanlike act; these include unacceptable language, violence or persistent fouls, taking part in the game after being excluded or showing disrespect. The player is red-carded with substitution after 20 seconds has elapsed. There are two kinds of misconduct fouls that a player can incur. If the incident does not involve physical contact, the referee can impose a Misconduct charge.
Five meter penalty
If a defender commits a major foul within the six meter area that prevents a likely goal, the attacking team is awarded a penalty throw or shot. This is usually when the attacking player is impeded in taking a shot at goal, from behind or the side. According to the FINA rule changes in 2019, the referee no longer has any discretion in awarding a penalty.An attacking player lines up on the five meter line in front of the opposing goal. No other player may be in front of him or within 2 meters of his position. The defending goalkeeper must be between the goal posts. The referee signals with a whistle and by lowering his arm, and the player taking the penalty shot must immediately throw the ball with an uninterrupted motion toward the goal. The shooter's body can not at any time cross the 5 meter line until after the ball is released. If the shooter carries his body over the line and shoots the result is a turn over. If the shot does not score and the ball stays in play then play continues. Penalty shots are often successful, with 63.7% of shots being scored from them.
There are quite a few other infringements that can lead to a penalty: a player that has been excluded interfering with the game as they exit the pool, an excluded player entering the pool without a signal from the referee, a player or substitute exiting or entering the pool incorrectly, a brutality foul, a coach or captain requesting a time out when not in possession of the ball, and a coach delaying the return of the ball.
Overtime
FINA
If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, a penalty shootout will determine the winner. Five players and a goalkeeper are chosen by the coaches of each team. A player cannot be chosen if s/he is ineligible to play from receiving. Players shoot from the 5 meter line alternately at either end of the pool in turn until all five have taken a shot. If the score is still tied, the same players shoot alternately until one team misses and the other scores.NCAA
Differing from FINA rules, for which there are no shootouts, teams play two three-minute overtime periods in American college varsity water polo, and if still tied play three-minute sudden death periods until a team scores a goal and wins the game.NFHS
American high school water polo plays overtime as two 3 minute periods followed by multiple 3-minute sudden death periods if the tie persists after the 2 periods of play.Tournament hosts can modify their rules to incorporate regulation, such as sudden death immediately following 4 periods of the game, or a shoot-out.
Officials
The game of water polo requires numerous officials. The four main categories are: referee, secretary, timekeeper and goal judge. These can again be qualified into two broader categories: game officials and table officials.Game officials
Because waterpolo is a fast, high scoring game, quite a officials are required: two referees, a secretary, two game/shot clock operator, and two goal judges. For many lower level games one referee and two people on the scoring table is sufficient. Game officials are broadly responsible for ensuring the game runs smoothly and that correct and fair decisions relating to the game are made.Referee
The referees have ultimate power over decisions relating to the game, even overruling decisions from goal judges, secretaries or timekeepers. They have the responsibility of signalling fouls, goals, penalties, timeouts, start of play, end of play, restart of play, neutral, corner and goal throws. He or she must attempt to keep to all of the rules of water polo to the governing body they are using.There are always one or two referees in a game of water polo. At a higher level, two referees are virtually always used; but at lower levels, if there are limited available referees, a referee may officiate the game without another. When goal judges are not present or available, the referee may take their place in that they have the decision as to whether the ball has crossed the line etc.
Referees have a variety of methods for signalling fouls, most of which are done by hand and with the aid of a whistle. The purpose of these signals are to inform players, coaches, spectators and other officials of the decision being made, with sometimes information as to why the decision has been awarded.. They have the power to remove anyone from the pool area, including coaches and spectators.
Referees have dress codes at higher levels of water polo, and are expected to abide by this. Often, the dress code is all white, but some associations deviate this slightly.
Goal judge
Depending on the availability of officials goal judges may or may not be used. Goal judges are often seen at high level competition.The goal judges are responsible for several parts of the game. These include: signalling when a goal is scored, signalling corner throws, improper re-entry, to signal when play can start and to signal improper restart at the beginning of quarters.
The goal judge is situated perfectly in line with the goal line - one at either end and usually on opposite sides. They remain seated throughout the game.
Table officials
The table officials in water polo are the timekeeper and the secretary/secretaries. They are overall responsible for the timings of the game and keeping correct information regarding the events of the game, as well as informing of the players of very specific information.Timekeeper
The timekeeper have varying responsibilities depending on the equipment available. Only one is required if no 30 second clock is being used, with two being required otherwise. In higher level matches sometimes there are more than two timekeepers used.Often one timekeeper is responsible for running the shot clock. This means that he or she resets it when necessary. When this is the case, the other timekeeper is often responsible for the game clock and score. If an electronic scoreboard and game clock is being used, the timekeeper will update the score when necessary, and has a similar job with the game clock. If not, then the timekeeper will manually time the periods with a stopwatch and alert the players when the period is over with a whistle. If an electronic scoreboard is used, a synthetically produced sound is often produced at the end of periods to alert other officials and players of the end of the period.
Timekeepers are essentially responsible for keeping record of: the current score, the 30 second clock, the length of the quarters, the time of exclusion, the length of timeouts, the length of time between periods and to signal by whistle 30 seconds before the end of quarter or half time and 15 seconds before the end of a timeout. Timekeepers are also responsible for the last minute bell: a bell showing one minute remaining before full-time.
Secretary
The secretary are responsible for keeping written accounts of notable events in the match, and at what point in the match they occur. Where necessary, the player involved in an event have their hat number and colour noted next to the event including:- Goals scored
- Exclusion and penalty fouls
- Timeouts called