COMPETITION REGULATIONS

Approved by the World Aquatics Bureau on 21 February 2023 with

immediate entry into force

1
VI. Water Polo Rules

1. THE FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT

2. TEAMS & PLAYERS
3. REFEREES AND TECHNICAL OFFICIALS
4. DURATION OF THE GAME
5. TIMEOUTS
6. START AND RESTART OF PLAY
7. METHOD OF SCORING
8. ORDINARY FOULS
9. EXCLUSION FOULS
10. PENALTY FOULS
11. FREE THROWS
12. GOAL THROWS
13. CORNER THROWS
14. NEUTRAL THROWS
15. PENALTY THROWS
16. PERSONAL FOULS, YELLOW AND RED CARDS
17. ACCIDENT, INJURY AND ILLNESS
18. WATER POLO FACILITIES
19. BEACH WATER POLO RULES
20. APPENDICES

219
 1. THE FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT

1.1 Features of the field of play, goals, ball and other equipment must be in
accordance with Appendix 4.

1.2 The distance between the goal lines shall not be less than 20 metres and
not more than 30 metres for games played by men. The distance between
the goal lines shall not be less than 20 metres and not more than 25 metres
for games played by women. The width of the field of play shall be not less
than 10 metres and not more than 20 metres.

1.3 An area for flying substitutions must be available on the lateral outer side
of the field of play, on the side where the team benches are situated. The
width of this area must be between 0.5m – 1m. The designated area for
flying substitutions for each team will be between the goal line in front of
the team bench and the centre of the field of play.

2. TEAMS & PLAYERS

Team composition

2.1 Each team must consist of a maximum of thirteen players: eleven field
players and two goalkeepers. A team must start the game with not more
than seven players, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper and who shall
wear the goalkeeper’s cap. Five reserves may be used as substitutes and
one reserve goalkeeper who may be used only as a substitute goalkeeper.
A team playing with less than seven players shall not be required to have a
goalkeeper. If a team has no more substitutes apart from the substitute
goalkeeper, either the goalkeeper or substitute goalkeeper, if applicable,
may play as a field player.

2.2 All players not in the game at that time, together with the coaches and
officials except for the head coach, must sit on the team bench and shall
not move away from the bench from the commencement of play, except
for substitutions and during the intervals between periods or during
timeouts. The head coach of the attacking team may move to the 6 metre
line at any time. Teams must only change ends and benches at half time.
The team benches must both be situated on the side opposite to the
official table.

2.3 The captains shall be playing members of their respective teams and,
together with the head coach, they shall be responsible for the good
conduct and discipline of the team.

2.4 Players shall wear non-transparent costumes or costumes with a separate

undergarment and before taking part in a game shall remove any articles
likely to cause injury.

2.5 Players shall not have grease, oil or any substance on the body, which
might provide an advantage. If a referee determines before the start of play
220
 that such a substance has been used, the referee shall order it to be
removed immediately. The start of play shall not be delayed for the
substance to be removed. If the offence is detected after the play has
started, the offending player shall be excluded from the remainder of the
game and a substitute permitted to enter the field of play immediately from
the team’s exclusion re-entry area.

Substitution procedure

2.6 At any time in the game, a player or goalkeeper may be substituted by

leaving the field of play at the team’s exclusion re-entry area. The
substitute may enter the field of play from the exclusion re-entry area as
soon as the player has visibly risen to the surface of the water within the
re-entry area and touched hands above the water with the substitute.
Substitution from the ‘flying substitution’ area is also allowed when the
substitute enters the area from behind the extended goal line, both players,
the exiting player and the substitute, are in the water, outside of the field of
play and touch hands above the water. A substitute shall be ready to
replace a player, without delay. If the substitute is not ready, the game shall
continue without the substitute and, at any time, the substitute may then
enter the field of play from the team’s designated substitution areas, after
touching hands where applicable.

2.7 If a goalkeeper is substituted under this Rule, it must only be by the

substitute goalkeeper, if applicable. No substitution shall be made under
this Rule between the time a referee awards a penalty throw and the taking
of the throw or during VAR review. If the goalkeeper or substitute
goalkeeper, if applicable, is not entitled or able to participate, a team playing
with seven players shall be required to play with an alternative goalkeeper
who shall wear the goalkeeper’s cap. A goalkeeper who has been replaced
by a substitute may not play in any position other than goalkeeper.

2.8 No substitution shall be made, except for bleeding, between the time a
referee awards a penalty throw and the taking of the throw or during VAR
review.

2.9 A substitute may enter the field of play from any place: (a) during the
intervals between periods of play; (b) after a goal has been scored; (c)
during a timeout; (d) to replace a player who is bleeding or injured.

2.10 If a player, on the player’s own initiative, leaves the field of play for other
than a substitution from the designated lateral substitution area in a place
other than the exclusion re-entry area or the designated lateral substitution
area, this player will not be punished for leaving the field of play and this
player or a substitute will be able to (re-)enter the field of play from the
exclusion re-entry area only with permission of the referee. The player may
also re-enter after a goal, after a timeout or at the start of the next period.

221
 3. REFEREES AND TECHNICAL OFFICIALS
3.1 For World Aquatics events, the officials shall consist of two referees, two
assistant referees, timekeepers and secretaries and a video assistant
referee, each with the powers and duties specified in Appendix 5 and
following the procedures specified in Appendix 7, if applicable.

3.2 To enforce the Rules, the referees shall be in absolute control of the game
and their authority over players, team officials and spectators shall be
effective from the moment they enter until they leave the venue of the
match.
3.3 The referees shall have the power:

(i) to award or not award any ordinary, exclusion or penalty foul, while
encouraging action and the advantage of the attacking team. A referee
may award a foul or refrain from awarding a foul if awarding the foul
would be an advantage to the offending player’s team;

(ii) to order the removal from the precincts of the pool or the venue any
player, substitute, spectator or official whose behaviour prevents the
referees from carrying out their duties in a proper and impartial manner;

(iii) to abandon the game at any time if the behaviour of the players or
spectators, or other circumstances prevent it from being brought to a
proper conclusion.

4. DURATION OF THE GAME

4.1 The duration of the game shall be four periods each of eight minutes actual
play. Time shall commence at the start of each period when a player
touches the ball. At all signals for stoppages, the time shall be stopped until
the ball is put back into play by the ball leaving the hand of the player taking
the appropriate throw or until the ball is touched by a player following a
neutral throw.

4.2 There shall be a two-minute interval between the first and second periods
and between the third and fourth periods and a three-minute interval
between the second and third periods. The teams, including the players,
coaches and officials, shall change ends before starting the third period.

4.3 Each World Aquatics Water Polo game shall have a winner at full time in any
game. There shall be a penalty shoot out to determine the result as
specified in Appendix 6

4.4 If a game (or part of a game) must be replayed, then goals, personal fouls,
and timeouts that occurred during the time to be replayed are deleted from
the game score sheet, however exclusions for violent action, misconduct,
and any red card exclusions are recorded on the game score sheet.

5. TIMEOUTS
5.1 Each team may request two timeouts per game. The duration of the
timeout shall be one minute. A timeout may be requested at any time,
including after a goal, but not after a penalty throw has been awarded or
during VAR review, by the coach of the team in possession of the ball calling
“timeout” and signalling to the secretary or referee with the hands forming
222
 a T-shape. A team has possession of the ball when one of its players is
holding or swimming with the ball. If a timeout is requested, the secretary
or referee shall immediately stop the game by whistle and the players shall
immediately return to their respective halves of the field of play. The
timeout request can also be made by any device authorized for use in the
game.

5.2 Play shall be restarted on the whistle of the referee by the team in
possession of the ball putting the ball into play on or behind the half
distance line, except that if the timeout is requested before the taking of a
corner throw, that throw shall be maintained.

5.3 If the coach of the team in possession of the ball requests an additional
timeout to which the team is not entitled, the game shall be stopped, and
play shall then be restarted by a player of the opposing team
putting the ball into play at the half distance line.

5.4 If the coach of the team not in possession of the ball requests a timeout,
the game shall be stopped, and a penalty throw awarded to the opposing
team. After requesting this illegal timeout, the coach shall lose the right to
request a legal timeout if the team still has one.

5.5 At the restart following a timeout, players may take any position in the field
of play, subject to the Rules relating to the taking of corner throws.

6. START AND RESTART OF PLAY

6.1 The first team listed in the official program will wear white caps or the caps
reflecting the colour of their country and will start the game to the left of
the official table. The other team will wear blue caps or caps of a contrasting
colour and will start the game to the right of the table.

6.2 At the start of each period, the players must take up positions on their
respective goal lines, about one metre apart and at least one metre from
the goal posts. Not more than two players shall be allowed between the
goal posts. No part of a player’s body shall be beyond the goal line at water
level.

6.3 When the referees are satisfied that the teams are ready, a referee shall
blow the whistle to start and then release or throw the ball into play on the
half distance line.

6.4 After a goal has been scored, the players shall take up positions anywhere
within their respective halves of the field of play. No part of a player’s body
shall be beyond the half distance line at water level. A referee shall restart
the game by blowing the whistle. At the time of the restart, actual play shall
resume when the ball leaves the hand of a player of the team not having
scored the goal. A restart not taken in accordance with this Rule shall be
retaken.

223
 7. METHOD OF SCORING
7.1 A goal shall be scored when the entire ball has passed fully over the goal
line, between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar. The goal line is
an imaginary laser line which runs on the front side from one goal post to
the other post. A goal is scored when the ball fully passed the goal line as
in position D and may be scored from anywhere within the field of play by
any part of the body except a clenched fist.

7.2 A goal may be scored:

a) at the start or any restart of the game, after at least two players (of
either team but excluding the defending goalkeeper) intentionally
play or touch the ball;

b) from a penalty throw;

c) if a player throws the ball from a free throw into the player’s own
goal;

d) from an immediate shot from a goal throw or a corner throw or a

free throw awarded outside 6 metres;

e) by a player who visibly puts the ball into play when starting or
restarting play outside 6 metres:

i. after a swim up or the commencement of a period;

ii. after a timeout or a goal;

iii. after an injury;

iv. after replacement of a cap;

v. after the referee calls for the ball or calls for a neutral throw;

vi. when the ball leaves the side of the field of play;

vii. taking a free throw awarded outside 6 metres;

viii. after any other delay.

7.3 A goal shall be scored if, at the expiration of 20 or 30 seconds possession

or at the end of a period, the ball is in flight or moving toward the goal and
enters the goal, including after bouncing off the water, hitting the goal post,
crossbar, goalkeeper, or another player, except when intentionally played
or touched by another attacking player.

224
 8. ORDINARY FOULS
8.1 It shall be an ordinary foul to commit any of the following offences (VI.8.2
to VI.8.15), which shall be punished by awarding of a free throw to the
opposing team, except as otherwise provided by the Rules.

8.2 To advance beyond the goal line at the start of a period, before the referee
has given the signal to start. The free throw shall be taken from the location
of the ball or, if the ball has not been released into the field of play, from the
half distance line.

8.3 To assist a player at the start of a period or at any other time during the
game.

8.4 To hold or push off from the goal posts or their fixtures, to hold or push off
from the sides or ends of the pool during actual play or at the start of a
period.

8.5 To take any active part in the game when standing on the floor of the pool,
to walk when play is in progress or to jump from the floor of the pool to play
the ball or tackle an opponent. This rule shall not apply to the goalkeeper
while within the goalkeeper’s 6 metre area.

8.6 To take or hold the entire ball under the water when tackled or to
deliberately hide it from the opposing team.

8.7 To strike at the ball with a clenched fist, unless by the goalkeeper while
within the 6 metre area.

8.8 To play or touch the ball with two hands at the same time, unless by the
goalkeeper while within the 6 metre area.

8.9 To push or push off from an opponent who is not holding the ball.

8.10 To be within the opponent’s goal area except when behind the line of the
ball. It shall not be an offence if a player is inside the 2 metre line but outside
the goal area. Any player who is behind the line of the ball can enter the goal
area to receive the ball. Any player inside the goal area who does not shoot
but passes the ball backwards has to leave the goal area immediately to
avoid being sanctioned under this rule.

8.11 To take a free throw, goal throw, corner throw or a penalty throw other than
in the prescribed manner except under the circumstances provided by VI
12.2 and VI13.4.

8.12 For a team to retain possession of the ball without shooting at the
opponent’s goal for more than: (i) 30 seconds of actual play, or (ii) 20
seconds in the case of an exclusion, corner throw or rebound to the
attacking team after a shot, including after a penalty shot.

225
 The timekeeper recording the possession time shall reset the clock:

(a) when the ball has left the hand of the player shooting at goal. If the
ball rebounds into play from the goal post, crossbar, a player or the
goalkeeper, the possession time shall not recommence until the ball
comes into the possession of one of the teams. The clock shall be
reset to 20 seconds if the ball comes into possession of the attacking
team. It shall be reset to 30 seconds if it comes into possession of
the defending team;

(b) when the ball comes into the possession of the defending team, the
clock shall be reset to 30 seconds.
(c) when the ball is put into play following the award of an exclusion foul
to the defending player, the clock shall be reset to 20 seconds unless
there are more than 20 seconds of possession time remaining, in
which case the time shall continue and not be reset;

(d) when the ball is put into play following the taking of a penalty throw
without a change of possession or, corner throw, the clock shall be
reset to 20 seconds;

(e) when the ball is put into play following the award of a penalty throw
with a change of possession, a goal throw or neutral throw, the clock
shall be reset to 30 seconds. Visible clocks shall show the time in a
descending manner (that is, showing the possession time remaining).

8.13 To waste time.

8.14 To simulate being fouled.

8.15 To go under the water to gain positional advantage.

9. EXCLUSION FOULS
9.1 It shall be an exclusion foul to commit any of the following offences (VI 9.4
to VI9.18) which shall be punished (except as otherwise provided by the
Rules) by the award of a free throw to the opposing team and the exclusion
of the player who committed the foul.

9.2 An excluded player, including a player excluded for the remainder of the
game, must immediately leave the field of play, not leaving the water, and
move to the exclusion re-entry area (visibly rising to the surface of the
water and, if applicable, touch hands above the water with the substitute)
nearest to the player’s own goal line without interfering with the play.

9.3 The excluded player or a substitute shall be permitted to re-enter the field
of play from the re-entry area nearest to the player’s own goal line after the
earliest occurrence when:

(a) 20 seconds of actual play have elapsed, at which time the secretary
shall raise the appropriate flag;

(b) a goal has been scored; an excluded player or a substitute may re-
enter the field of play from any place.
226
 (c) the excluded player’s team has retaken possession of the ball during
actual play, at which time the defensive referee shall signal re-entry
by a hand signal;

(d) the excluded player’s team is awarded a free throw, a goal throw or a
penalty throw.

The excluded player or a substitute shall not be permitted to:

(i) jump or push off from the side or wall of the pool or the field of
play;

(ii) affect the alignment of the goal;

(iii) enter for an excluded player until that player has reached the
exclusion re-entry area nearest to the player’s own goal line except
between periods, after a goal, or during a timeout.
These provisions shall also apply to the entry of a substitute when the
excluded player has received three personal fouls or has otherwise been
excluded from the remainder of the game in accordance with the Rules.

9.4 For a player to leave the water or sit or stand on the steps or side of the
pool during play, except in the case of accident, injury, illness or with the
permission of a referee. An excluded player who leaves the water (other
than following the entry of a substitute) shall be deemed guilty of an
offence under VI.9.13 (Misconduct).

9.5 To interfere with the taking of a free throw, goal throw or corner throw,
including: (a) intentionally to throw away or fail to release the ball to prevent
the normal progress of the game; (b) any attempt to play the ball before it
has left the hand of the thrower.

9.6 To attempt to block a pass or shot with two hands outside the 6 metre area.

9.7 To intentionally splash in the face of an opponent.

9.8 To impede or otherwise prevent the free movement of an opponent who is

not holding the ball, including swimming on the opponent’s shoulders, back
or legs. “Holding” is lifting, carrying or touching the ball but does not include
dribbling the ball.

9.9 To hold, sink or pull back an opponent who is not holding the ball.

9.10 Anywhere in the field of play, to use two hands to hold an opponent not
holding the ball.

9.11 Tactical foul. Anywhere in the field of play, for a defending player to commit
a foul on any player of the team in possession of the ball with the intent to
stop the flow of the attack. This kind of foul is called a tactical foul.

227
9.12 To make disproportionate movements including kicking and striking.

9.13 To be guilty of misconduct, including the use of unacceptable language,

aggressive play, refusing obedience to or showing disrespect for a referee
or official, or behaviour against the spirit of the Rules and likely to bring the
game into disrepute.

9.13.1 Should this occur during the game, the offending player shall be
excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution after the
earliest occurrence referred to in VI.9.3, and must leave the competition
area.

9.13.2 Should the incident occur during the interval between periods,
during a timeout, or after a goal, the player shall be excluded for the
remainder of the game and a substitute shall be eligible to re-enter
immediately prior to the restart of the game and play will restart in the
normal manner.

9.13.3 When one or more players of a team persist in repeated fouls other
than aggressive play or misconduct or protest referees’ or officials’
decisions without the use of unacceptable language, the referee may show
a yellow card to the offending team. Should the action continue, the referee
will issue the offending player of the same team with a red card excluding
the player for the remainder of the game according to VI.9.13 (misconduct).

9.14 To commit a violent action, including kicking, striking, or attempting to kick

or strike with malicious intent an opponent or official, whether during actual
play, during any stoppages, timeouts, after a goal has been scored or
during intervals between periods of play. If the offending player is the
goalkeeper, a substitute goalkeeper may be changed for another player in
accordance with VI.2.6.

9.14.1 Should this occur during the game, the offending player shall be
excluded for the remainder of the game and must leave the competition
area and a penalty throw awarded to the opposing team. The offending
player may be substituted when four minutes of actual play have elapsed.

9.14.2 Should the incident occur during any stoppage, timeout, after a
goal or interval between periods of play, the player shall be excluded for the
remainder of the game and must leave the competition area. No penalty
throw shall be awarded. The offending player may be substituted when four
minutes of actual play have elapsed. Play will restart in the normal manner.

9.14.3 If the referees call violent actions simultaneously on players of

opposing teams during play, both players are excluded for the remainder
of the game with substitution when four minutes of actual play have
elapsed. The team, which had possession of the ball, will first shoot a
penalty throw followed by the other team shooting a penalty throw. After
the second penalty throw, the team, which had possession of the ball, will
restart play with a free throw on or behind the half distance line.

9.15 In the case of simultaneous exclusion of players of opposing teams during

play, both players are excluded for 20 seconds until the earliest occurrence
228
 referred to in VI.9.3 or at the next change of possession. The possession
clock is not reset. Play is restarted with a free throw to the team which had
possession of the ball. If neither team had possession when the
simultaneous exclusions were called, the possession clock is reset to 30
seconds and play shall be restarted with a neutral throw. Both players
excluded under this Rule, shall be permitted to re-enter at the next earliest
occurrence referred to in VI.9.3 or at the next change of possession.

9.16 For an excluded player to re-enter or a substitute to enter the field of play
improperly, including not following VI.2.6, VI.2.7 and VI.9.3. This player
receives only one personal foul, which should be marked by the secretary
as an exclusion foul.

9.16.1 If this offence is committed by a player of the team not in

possession of the ball, the offending player shall be excluded and a penalty
throw also awarded to the opposing team.

9.16.2 If this offence is committed by a player of the team in possession

of the ball, the offending player shall be excluded and a free throw awarded
to the opposing team.

9.17 To interfere with the taking of a penalty throw. The offending player shall
be excluded from the remainder of the game with substitution after the
earliest occurrence referred to in VI.9.3 and the penalty throw shall be
maintained or re-taken as appropriate. The referees may use the VAR
system to determine if there has been interference with the penalty throw.
This offence may occur before the taking of the throw or after the whistle
by the referee.

9.18 For the defending goalkeeper to fail to take up the correct position on the
goal line at the taking of a penalty throw having been ordered once to do
so by the referee. Another defending player may take the position of the
goalkeeper but without the goalkeeper’s privileges or limitations.

10. PENALTY FOULS

10.1 It shall be a penalty foul to commit any of the following offences (VI.10.2 to
VI.10.11) which shall be punished by the award of a penalty throw to the
opposing team. The referee can delay whistling and wait to see if the
attacking player scores a goal in the same action. If the player does not
score, the referee should sanction the penalty. The referee may raise an
arm indicating a possible penalty.

10.2 For a goalkeeper or defending player to commit any foul within the 6 metre
area if a goal would probably have resulted, including VI.10.4 to VI.10.7.

10.3 For an excluded player intentionally to interfere with play, including

affecting the alignment of the goal. If the excluded player does not
commence leaving the field of play almost immediately, the referee may
deem this to be intentional interference under this Rule.

10.4 For a goalkeeper or defending player to pull over, pull down or otherwise
229
 displace the goal.

10.5 Within the 6 metre area, for a defending player to attempt to block a pass
or shot with two hands.

10.6 Within the 6 metre area, for a defending player to play the ball with a
clenched fist.

10.7 Within the 6 metre area, for a goalkeeper or defending player to take the
ball under the water when tackled.

10.8 For a player or substitute who is not entitled under the Rules to participate
in the play at that time to enter the field of play. Also, the offending player
shall be excluded from the remainder of the game with substitution. The
substitute may enter the field of play after the earliest occurrence referred
to in VI. 9.3.

10.9 For the coach, or any team official, of the team not in possession of the ball
to request a timeout. No personal foul shall be recorded for this offence.

10.10 For the coach or any team official, or player to take any action with intent
to prevent a probable goal or to delay the game, including:

a) a defending player deliberately throwing the ball away before the

attacking team can take a free throw
b) a defending player, after a free throw outside the 6 metre line,
deliberately pushing the ball inside 6 metre line, to avoid a direct shot.

No personal foul shall be recorded for this offence by the coach or any
team official.

10.11 For a defending player to impede an attacking player from behind within
the 6 metre area when the attacking player is facing the goal and making a
shooting action, unless the defending player makes contact only with the
ball. If the defending player’s foul, described in this Rule, prevents the
attacking player from scoring, a penalty must also be called. The referee
must delay the call of penalty until the shot or attempted shot is completed
and must award a penalty unless the attacking player scores.

10.12 If, in the last minute of the game, a penalty throw is awarded to a team, the
coach may elect to maintain possession of the ball and be awarded a free
throw. The timekeeper recording possession time shall reset the clock to
30 seconds, and the game will be restarted as after a timeout.
It is the responsibility of the coach to give a clear signal without delay if the
team wishes to maintain possession of the ball in accordance with this
Rule.

230
 11. FREE THROWS
11.1 A free throw shall be taken at the location of the ball, unless, after a foul
committed by a defending player, the ball is inside the goal area. Then the
free throw shall be taken on the 2 metre line opposite to the location of the
ball. If the ball is outside of the goal area at the moment that the foul is
awarded, the free throw shall be taken from the location of the ball.

11.2 A player awarded a free throw must put the ball into play with no undue
delay, including by passing or by shooting, if permitted by the Rules. It shall
be an ordinary foul if a player who is clearly in a position most readily to take
a free throw does not do so. A defending player having committed a foul
shall move away not less than 1 metre from the player taking the free throw
before raising an arm to block a pass or shot; a player who fails to do so
shall be excluded for “interference” under VI.9.5.

11.3 The free throw shall be taken with no undue delay by the player nearest to
the ball in a manner to enable the players to observe the ball visibly leaving
the hand of the player taking the throw, who shall also then be permitted to
carry or dribble the ball before passing to another player, or to shoot, when
permitted. The ball shall be in play immediately when it leaves the hand of
the player taking the free throw.

11.4 A free throw is also awarded against the team which last touched the ball
that went out of the side of the field of play (including the ball rebounding
from the side of the field of play) except in the case of a defensive field
player blocking a shot over the side of the field of play, in which case a free
throw is given to the defensive team.

12. GOAL THROWS

12.1 A goal throw shall be awarded when the entire ball has passed fully over the
goal line excluding between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar,
having last been touched by any player other than the goalkeeper of the
defending team.

12.2 The goal throw shall be taken according to VI.11.3 without undue delay by
any player of the team from anywhere within the 2 metre area or where the
ball is, if outside 2 metres. A goal throw not taken in accordance with this
Rule shall be retaken.

13. CORNER THROWS

13.1 A corner throw shall be awarded when the entire ball has passed fully over
the goal line excluding between the goal posts and underneath the
crossbar, having last been touched by the goalkeeper of the defending
team or when a defending player deliberately sends the ball over the goal
line.

13.2 The corner throw shall be taken according to VI.11.3 without undue delay by
a player of the attacking team from the 2 metre mark on the side nearest
to which the ball crossed the goal line. The throw does not need to be taken
by the nearest player.

231
13.3 At the taking of a corner throw, no players of the attacking team shall be
within the goal area.

13.4 A corner throw taken from the wrong position or before the players of the
attacking team have left the goal area shall be retaken.

14. NEUTRAL THROWS

14.1 A neutral throw shall be awarded when:

(a) at the start of a period, a referee is of the opinion that the ball has
fallen in a position to the definite advantage of one team;

(b) one or more players of opposing teams commit an ordinary foul at

the same moment which makes it impossible for the referees to
distinguish which player offended first;

(c) both referees blow their whistles at the same moment to award
ordinary fouls to the opposing teams;

(d) neither team has possession of the ball and one or more players of
opposing teams commit an exclusion foul at the same moment. The
neutral throw shall be taken after the offending players have been
excluded;

(e) the ball strikes or lodges in an overhead obstruction.

14.2 At a neutral throw, a referee shall throw the ball into the field of play at
approximately the same lateral position as the event occurred in such a
manner as to allow the players of both teams to have an equal opportunity
to reach the ball. A neutral throw awarded within the goal area shall be taken
on the 2 metre line.

14.3 If at a neutral throw the referee is of the opinion that the ball has fallen in a
position to the definite advantage of one team, the referee shall call for the
ball and retake the throw.

15. PENALTY THROWS

15.1 A penalty throw shall be taken by any player of the team to which it is
awarded from any point on the opponents’ 5 metre line.

15.2 All players shall leave the 6 metre area and shall be at least three metres
from the player taking the throw. On the 6 metre line, on each side of the
player taking the throw, one player of the defending team shall have the
first right to take position. The defending goalkeeper shall be positioned
between the goal posts with no part of the goalkeeper’s body beyond the
goal line at water level. The referees can give one warning to the players or
the goalkeeper to take up the correct position. If that person does not do
so, the player or goalkeeper shall be excluded and shall re-enter in
accordance with VI.9.3.

15.3 When the referee controlling the taking of the throw is satisfied that the
players are in their correct positions, the referee shall signal for the throw

232
 to be taken, by whistle and by simultaneously lowering the arm from a
vertical to a horizontal position.

15.4 The player taking the penalty throw shall have possession of the ball and
shall immediately throw it with an uninterrupted movement directly at the
goal. The player may take the throw by lifting the ball from the water or with
the ball held in the raised hand and the ball may be taken backwards from
the direction of the goal in preparation for the forward throw, provided that
the continuity of movement shall not be interrupted before the ball leaves
the thrower’s hand.

15.5 If the ball rebounds from the goal post, crossbar or goalkeeper it remains
in play and it shall not be necessary for another player to play or touch the
ball before a goal can be scored.

15.6 If at precisely the same time as the referee awards a penalty throw the
timekeeper whistles for the end of a period, all players except the player
taking the throw and the defending goalkeeper shall leave the water before
the penalty throw is taken. In this situation, the ball shall immediately be
dead should it rebound into play from the goal post, crossbar or the
goalkeeper.

16. PERSONAL FOULS, YELLOW AND RED CARDS

16.1 A personal foul shall be recorded against any player who commits an
exclusion foul or penalty foul. The referee shall indicate the offending
player’s cap number to the secretary.

16.2 Upon receiving a third personal foul, a player shall be excluded from the
remainder of the game with substitution after the earliest occurrence
referred to in VI.9.3. If the third personal foul is a penalty foul, the entry of
the substitute shall be immediate.

16.3 The referee, if necessary, must use Yellow and Red Cards to control the
Team Officials and Substitute Players on the Team Bench as well as the
players in the water. The use of Yellow and Red Cards applies to all World
Aquatics Water Polo Competitions and will be administered as follows:

16.3.1 The issuing of a Yellow Card by the referee is an official warning to

the Head Coach of the team.

16.3.2 The subsequent issuing of a Red Card by the referee is the signal
that the Head Coach and/or other Team Official(s) and/or player(s) on the
bench must leave pool area immediately. Should the actions of the Head
Coach require it, the referee may issue a Red Card, without having issued a
Yellow Card.

16.3.3 When the Head Coach is excluded from the game, another Team
Official may replace the Head Coach, however without the privileges of the
Head Coach. The Team Official is not allowed to stand and move away from
the team bench but can ask for a timeout according to the Rules. During a
timeout or after a goal, before the restart of the match, the Team Official
may move freely along the side of the pool to the half distance line to

233
 instruct the team.

16.3.4 During the match, when a team member inside the water commits
an act of misconduct, the referee must show a Red Card to the player
accompanied by the appropriate sanction.
16.3.5 A referee may issue a Yellow Card, if, in the referee’s opinion, a
player persists in playing in an unsporting manner or engages in simulation
(VI.8.4). The referee shall show a Yellow Card to the offending team and
point to the offending player. Should the action continue, the referee will
show the player a Red Card visible to both the team and the official table
as this is deemed to be misconduct (VI.9.13).

16.3.6 Team members committing an act of misconduct will be punished

according to VI.9.13 and must leave the pool area immediately.

16.3.7 For any offense potentially leading to a player or team official being
excluded from the remainder of a game, the Management Committee of
the tournament shall assess all circumstances of the offense, in particular
its gravity, and decide whether the player or team official shall be excluded
from additional games in the tournament within 24 hours after the end of
the game, with notification to the player, team official and team. The
Management Committee shall also refer the matter to the Aquatics
Integrity Unit if they consider that consequences beyond the tournament
should be considered. For the sake of clarity, the Management Committee
is entitled to review official video of any match of the tournament to decide
whether the player or coach shall be excluded from other games in the
tournament, regardless of whether or not the offense was sanctioned by
the referee during the match.

If a player or team official is suspended from a specific match, the team

shall have the number of players or team officials on the bench reduced
accordingly; provided that there is at least one (1) team official on the
bench.

If more than three members of the same team, including team officials, are
excluded from a game, that team shall be disqualified from that game and
the opposing team shall be awarded victory with the goal score of 5-0,
unless the goal difference was higher than this at the time of the third
exclusion from the match. In that case, the actual score shall be kept.

17. ACCIDENT, INJURY AND ILLNESS

17.1 A player shall only be allowed to leave the water, or sit or stand on the steps
or side of the pool during play in the case of accident, injury, illness or with
the permission of a referee. A player who has left the water legitimately may
re-enter from the team’s exclusion re-entry area at an appropriate
stoppage, with the permission of a referee.

17.2 If a player is bleeding, the referee shall immediately order the player out of
the water with the immediate entry of a substitute and the game shall
continue without interruption. After the bleeding has stopped, the player is
permitted to be a substitute in the ordinary course of the game.

17.3 If accident, injury or illness, other than bleeding, occurs, a referee, at the
referee’s discretion, may suspend the game for not more than three
minutes, in which case the referee shall instruct the timekeeper as to when
234
 the stoppage period is to commence.

17.4 Should the game be stopped through accident, injury, illness, bleeding or
other unforeseen reason, the team in possession of the ball at the time of
the stoppage shall put the ball into play at the place of stoppage when the
play is resumed.

17.5 Except in the circumstances of VI.17.2 (bleeding), the player shall not be
allowed to take further part in the game if a substitute has entered.

17.6 If the referee or VAR assistant referee or delegate, suspects that a violent
action may have occurred, the referees may review VAR according to the
VAR protocol. (Appendix 7)

18. WATER POLO FACILITIES

18.1 General Requirements

18.1.1 Water Polo Dimensions and Equipment as detailed in Field of Play

diagram. See Water Polo Diagram 1

18.1.2 The overall Field of Play will be 30.60m x 20.00m for men and
25.60m x 20.00m for women.

The distance between the goal lines shall not be less than 20.00 metres
and not more than 30.00 metres for games played by men. The distance
between the goal lines shall not be less than 20.00 metres and not more
than 25.00 metres for games played by women.

The anchor point at the edge of the Field of Play shall be placed 30cm
behind the front of the goal line.

The width of the Field of Play shall be not less than 10 metres and not more
than 20.00 metres.

Exception from this rule may be allowed on the discretion of the federation
controlling the match.

18.1.3 The depth of the water shall be consistently not less than 1.80
metres.

18.1.4 The water temperature shall be 26º plus 1º minus 1º Centigrade

(25ºC-27ºC).

18.1.5 The light intensity shall not be less than 600 lux.

18.1.6 Minimum Ceiling height is not required.

18.1.7 Lane Ropes

Each lane rope will have a minimum diameter of 0,06 metres and a
maximum diameter of 0.12 metres.

Lane rope should be secured at each wall to anchor brackets recessed into
the walls. If anchor placement is on pool deck, an extender, firm and non‐
elastic, should be in place. The installed lane rope should stay in the pool
water. The anchor, including extender, shall not extend more than 10mm into
the pool. The anchor shall not influence the length of the lane rope by more
than ± 10mm each end of rope. Anchors should be installed to withstand

235
 20kN. The lane rope shall be equipped with a tension spring, absorbing
sudden high point loads and a wire withstanding a tensileforce of 12kN.

18.1.8 Flying Substitution Area

An area for flying substitutions must be available on the lateral outer side
of the field of play, on the side where the team benches are situated. The
width of this area shall be not less than 0.50 metres.

The designated area for flying substitutions for each team will be between
the goal line in front of the team bench and the centre of the field of play.

18.2 Water Polo facilities for Olympic Games and World Championships

18.2.1 General Requirements

Water Polo Dimensions and Equipment as detailed in Field of Play diagram

for Olympic Games and World Championships. See Water Polo Diagram,
Appendix 2
18.2.2 Field of play

The overall Field of Play will be 30.60m x 20.00m for men and 25.60m x
20.00m for women.

The distance between respective goal lines shall be 30.00 metres for games
played by men and 25.00 metres for games played by women.

The anchor point at the edge of the Field of Play shall be placed 30cm
behind the front of the goal line. The width of the Field of Play shall be 20.00
metres.

Exceptions from the requirements in II.16.3.2.2 are not allowed.

18.2.3 The depth of the water shall be consistently not less than 2.00
metres.

18.2.4 The water temperature shall be 26º plus 1º minus 1º Centigrade

(25ºC-27ºC).

18.2.5 The light intensity shall not be less than 1500 lux.

18.2.6 In indoor swimming pools the minimum height of the Field of Play
shall be not less than 7.00 meter.

18.2.7 Lane Ropes

Each lane rope will have a diameter of 0,10 metres.

Lane rope should be secured at each wall to anchor brackets recessed into
the walls. If anchor placement is on pool deck, an extender, firm and non‐
elastic, should be in place. The installed lane rope should stay in the pool
water. The anchor, including extender, shall not extend more than 10mm into
the pool. The anchor shall not influence the length of the lane rope by more
than ± 10mm each end of rope.

Anchors should be installed to withstand 20kN. The lane rope shall be

equipped with a tension spring, absorbing sudden high point loads and a wire
withstanding a tensile force of 12kN.

236
 18.2.8 Flying Substitution Area
In indoor swimming pools the minimum height of the Field of Play shall be
not less than 7.00 meter.

18.2.9 Salinity of the water

An area for flying substitutions must be available on the lateral outer side of
the field of play, on the side where the team benches are situated. The width
of this area shall be not less than 0.50 metres.

The designated area for flying substitutions for each team will be between
the goal line in front of the team bench and the centre of the field of play.

18.3 Equipment for Water Polo facilities

18.3.1 Markings

Distinctive marks shall be provided on both sides of the field of play to

denote the goal lines, lines 2.0 metres and 6.0 metres from that line and
half the distance between the goal lines. These markings shall be clearly
visible throughout the game.

The white marker shall be measured from the anchor point and will be 0.3
metres to line up with the front of the edge of the goal line. This shall be
consistent at both ends of the field.

The 2 metre red marker shall be measured from the front end of the goal
line extending into the field of play. This shall be consistent at both ends of
the field of play.

The yellow marker shall then extend 4 metre from the 2 metre marker into
the field of play. There will be a red marker placed 5 metre from the front
end of the goal line. This shall be consistent at both ends of the field of play.

The middle section of the field of play will be green and should be 18 metre
for the men’s game and 13 metre for the women’s game. There will be a
white marker placed in the middle of the green area to denote the centre
of the field.

The exclusion zones shall be placed in the two corners on the opposite side
of the pool to the official table. They shall be 2 metre in length and shall
extend along the goal line.

18.3.2 Referee platforms

Platforms must be provided on both sides of the field of play, which shall
be 1 metre in width and 70 cm in height above the water level. These
platforms enable the referees to have free way from end to end of the field
of play. Sufficient space shall also be provided at the goal lines for the Goal
Judges. The platforms must be colour coded to meet the specification as
shown in the diagram of the field of play. See Water Polo Diagram, Appendix
2

18.3.3 Goals

The goal posts and crossbar must be of wood, metal or synthetic (plastic)
with rectangular sections of 80,0 millimetres, square with the goal line and
237
painted white.

The goal posts must be fixed, rigid and perpendicular at each end of the
playing space, equal distances from the sides and at least 0.3 metre in front
of the ends of the field of play or of any obstruction. Any standing or resting
place for the goalkeeper other than the floor of the pool is not permitted.

The inner sides of the goal posts must be 3.0 metre apart.

The underside of the cross bar must be 0.9 metre above the water surface.

18.3.4 Re-entry area

The rectangular excluded players’ re-entry area shall have the following
dimensions: 2.0 metres by 1.08 metre.

18.3.5 Nets

Limp nets must be attached to the goal fixtures to enclose the entire goal
space securely fastened to the goal posts and crossbar, allowing not less
than 0.3m of clear space behind the goal line everywhere within the goal
area.

18.3.6 Secretariat table

The game secretariat shall be placed at a table behind the referees and at
the sam

238
 20. APPENDICIES

20.1 The following appendices are incorporated in and form part of these Rules:

APPENDIX 1 AND 2 - Diagrams

APPENDIX 3 – Definitions

APPENDIX 4 – Field of Play and Equipment

APPENDIX 5– Officials

APPENDIX 6– Penalty Shoot Out

APPENDIX 7 – VAR Protocol

APPENDIX 8– Age Group Tournaments

APPENDIX 9– Tournaments Structure

255
APPENDIX 1 – DIAGRAMS

256
APPENDIX 2 - DIAGRAMS

257
APPENDIX 3 – DEFINITIONS

1. FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT

1.1. Field of Play: The part of the water officially marked as the place for the action
of a water polo game as described in Appendix 4.

1.2. Official table: The designated location where other necessary officials and
authorized persons carry out their responsibilities during a game.

1.3. Flying Substitution: The ability of a team to exchange players during play from
the flying substitution area.

1.4. Flying Substitution Area: The area designated by the Rules at the side of the
Field of Play where flying substitutions may occur.

1.5. Goal (definition A): The result of the ball fully crossing the goal line past the
front line of the goal posts and underneath the crossbar.

1.6. Goal line: the end of the field of play, formed by the front face of the goal post
(VI 7.1)

1.7. Goal area: Is a rectangular box extending 2 metres from the lateral outsides of
the goal posts to the 2 metre line opposite the goal line. In this area, attacking
players must not enter without possession of the ball, unless they are behind
the line of the ball.

1.8. 5 metre line: Is the line, from where penalty throw should be taken.

1.9. 6 metre area: is an area within 6 metres of the goal line where some fouls
according the penalty rules, become a penalty foul.

1.10. Half distance line: Line which divides the length of the field of play into two
equal halves at its midpoint.

1.11. Goal: The structure into which the ball must fully enter in order to score.
(Appendix 4.2)

2. TEAMS AND SUBSTITUTES

2.1. Team: team of water polo players as described in Section VI

2.2. Player: an individual member of a water polo team.

2.3. Goalkeeper: individual member of a team, wearing a cap 1 or 13, whose main
role is to prevent the ball from entering the goal.

2.4. Substitute: A player entering the field to replace a player already in the field of
play or an excluded player.

2.5. Reserve: A team member who is not playing at the time.

2.6. Designated lateral substitution area: is “Area for Flying Substitutions”

2.7. Exclusion Re-entry area: Location from where a player or substitute returns
to the field of play after an exclusion.

2.8. Advantage: The opportunity of an attacking player and/ or the attacking team
to continue to play the ball in order to generate an opportunity to score.
Referees must officiate such that the attacking team can maintain its
advantage.
258
 2.9. Red Card: Signal from the referee to indicate an exclusion from the remainder
of the game, to a player, coach or any team official.

2.10. Yellow Card: Warning signal from the referee to the coach for inappropriate
behaviour or insufficient bench discipline, or for repeated simulation and
persistent foul play of a team.

2.11. Offending player: A player committing a foul according to the rules.

3. REFEREES AND TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

3.1. Video assistant referee – VAR: Video technology and assistant referee, which
the referee may use to make a final decision after reviewing a situation in
described situations in Appendix 7 - VAR protocol.

3.2. Referee: An official responsible for conducting the game with designated
functions fixed by the Rules.

3.3. Possibility to play the ball: When the player in possession of the ball is able to
continue playing by putting the ball into action.

3.4. Centre forward: An attacking player whose primary position is near the
opponent’s 2 metre line and generally between the width of the goal posts.

3.5. Centre back: A defender whose primary responsibility is to mark the attacking
centre forward. (See Centre Forward)

3.6. Goal Judge or assistant referee: An official seated on the goal line responsible
for assisting the referee in determining if the ball has entered the goal or
passed the goal line, including who last touched the ball as well as for throwing
a new ball according to the referees’ instructions.

3.7. Start or restart: The commencement of play at the beginning of a period, after
a goal or after the referee has called for the ball and stopped play.

4. DURATION OF THE GAME

4.1. Actual play: Teams play four periods, each period consisting of eight minutes
of actual playing time; a total of 32 minutes. Actual play starts at the
beginning of each period, when a player touches the ball, stops on every
stoppage indicated by the referee or shot clock and continues after every
stoppage when the player puts the ball into play according to the Rules, shoots
or passes the ball.

4.2. Penalty Shoot-out: The method of determining a definite result for a game
should the scores be level at full time. The method is regulated by Appendix
6.

4.3. Attacking Referee: The referee who is giving primary attention to the
attacking situation in front of the goal to the referee’s right.

4.4. Defensive Referee: The referee who is controlling the attacking situation to
the referee’s left. This referee generally maintains a position no closer to the
goal being attacked than that player of the attacking team furthest back from
the goal.
5. TIMEOUTS

5.1. Timeout: A one-minute stoppage of play available to the attacking team at

any time, except at the awarding of a penalty throw or during a VAR review.
Each team is entitled to two timeouts per game.

5.2. Illegal Timeout: A requested timeout to which the team is not entitled.
259
5.3. Possession: Possession of the ball is when a player from one of the teams
holding or swimming with the ball.

6.
7. METHOD OF SCORING

7.1. Visibly putting the ball into play: means that the ball must leave the hand of
the player with the ball. Throwing the ball from a player’s left to right hand is
considered putting the ball into play.

7.2. Fake: To simulate a shot.

7.3. Swim up: At the beginning of a period the ball is placed in the middle of the
field of play and once the whistle is blown to signal the start of the game, teams
sprint towards the middle of the pool to gain possession of the ball.

8. ORDINARY FOULS

8.1. False Start: To begin the start of play improperly, either before the signal from
the referee or pushing off from or affecting the alignment of the goal.

8.2. Foul: A violation of a rule resulting in a stoppage of the game clock and the
awarding of a free throw. There are two types of fouls:
• Physical fouls (physical contact of a player preventing an opposing
player from continuing with movement)
• Technical fouls (against rules, e.g., false start or restart, to strike the ball
with clenched fist, two hands, etc.)

8.3. Ball under: Ordinary foul called against a player for taking the ball under water
when tackled by an opponent or with intent to hide a ball from an opponent.

8.4. Simultaneous exclusion: When two players from opposing teams are
simultaneously excluded.

8.5. Spirit of the Game: Defining characteristic of the sport. Playing within the spirit
means playing to win while respecting teammates, opponents and the game
itself. It is defined by understanding the rules and playing with integrity and
honesty in mind.

8.6. Push-off: To use the hand, arm, foot or another body part to push off an
opponent to gain an advantage.

8.7. Kicking: A blow, strike or forceful thrust with the foot to an opponent's body or
face, which is a personal foul.

8.8. Simulation: To pretend to be fouled.

8.9. To drive: An attacking move by a player who is facing an opponent and who
attempts to aggressively swim by that player to a position of advantage closer
to the goal.
8.10. Driver: A player who is driving towards the goal, usually starting from a
stationary position facing an opponent attempting to aggressively swim by the
opponent to a position of advantage closer to the goal.

8.11. To tackle: To hold, sink, pull back or impede a player who is holding the ball.

8.12. Half distance line: Line which divides the length of field of play into two equal
halves at midpoint of course.

8.13. Offensive Foul: A foul committed by an attacking player resulting in a free

throw awarded to the defending team.
260
8.14. Holding the ball: Lifting, carrying or touching the ball but not including dribbling
the ball.

9. EXCLUSION FOULS

9.1. Improper Entry: Entry of a player into the game during play not in accordance
with the rules.

9.2. Improper Re-entry: Entry of a substitute into the game during play not in
accordance with the rules.

9.3. Exclusion Foul: A foul where a player is excluded from taking part in the game
for a period of time as prescribed in the Rules.

9.4. Misconduct: Any improper behaviour, including being disrespectful towards a

referee or opponent, as well as showing disregard for an instruction from the
referee.

9.5. Violent action: An action by a player intended to cause harm or to injure

another player or official, regardless of whether contact is made.

9.6. Aggressive foul play: Behaviour that can lead to injuries of opponents. The
intention of these kind of fouls is to destroy and completely stop the
advantage or progress of the game or a player, or to provoke the opponent. It
is dangerous play, without a clear intention to injure the opponent player, but
typically is caused by emotions.

9.7. Persistent foul play: Unallowed fouls of defending players, which are stopping
the attack. The intention of these fouls in not to injure an opponent, but to
destroy the flow of the game, advantage and speed, as well as to intimidate
the opponent.

9.8. To Impede: To obstruct movement with unallowed physical acts, like holding
or blocking an opponent.

9.9. To hold an opponent: To use the hands, arms or legs to hold onto an opponent
with the intention of restricting movement.

9.10. To sink: To push an opponent under the water.

9.11. To Pull back: To pull an opposing player.

9.12. To interfere with a free throw, goal or penalty throw: To disrupt or interfere
with the taking of any of these throws.

9.13. Disproportionate movements: To make any movement with intent to kick or

strike, even if the player fails to make contact.
9.14. To strike: Means “to hit”.

9.15. Tactical foul: Any foul by a defender with the objective to stop the flow of the
game with intent to take away an advantage, especially the counterattack.

9.16. Counterattack: The transition by the attacking team that brings the ball
quickly from one end of the field to the other in an attempt to score before the
defensive team can get into position.

10. PENALTY FOULS

10.1. Penalty Foul: Any foul committed inside 6 metres preventing a probable goal
(VI.10.2). Additionally, violent action (VI. 9.14), and delaying the game (VI. 10.10)
may result in a penalty as well as VI. 10.9.
261
 10.2. Probable goal situation: Situations in which the attacking player is facing the
goal and there is no defending player between the attacking player and the
goalkeeper, and without a foul, a goal would most likely be scored. There are
also probable goal situations when the goal is empty and the ball nearby, as
well as examples described in the Manual.

10.3. Bad pass: A pass which cannot be reached by the attacker, regardless of
whether or not the player has been fouled. There are no sanctions against the
defending player in the case of a bad pass.

10.4. Front position on a defender: An offensive player establishing an

advantageous position, that is, a position between a defending player and the
opponent’s goal.

10.5. Delaying the game: Intentionally preventing attacking players from

proceeding with the action or any interference against the spirit of the game
with the intention to prevent a probable goal.

10.6. Illegal Player: A player not entitled to participate in the game.

11. FREE THROWS

11.1. Free Throw: A method of putting the ball into play after an ordinary foul, an
exclusion foul or a restart after a timeout, a goal, an injury including bleeding,
the replacement of a cap, the referee calling for the ball, the ball leaving the
side of the field of play or any other delay.

11.2. To block a shot or pass: To stop the ball’s flight with hand, arm or body.
11.3. Shot: An attempt to score by purposely directing the ball towards the
opponent’s goal

12. GOAL THROWS

12.1. Throw: Any movement by hand releasing the ball, with intent to put the ball
into play or pass or score.

12.2. Free Throw: The method of putting the ball into play following a foul or
stoppage.

12.3. Goal Throw: The throw awarded to the defending team as described in VI. 12.

12.4. Dribble the ball: To swim with the ball or progress the ball by swimming. A
player dribbling the ball is in possession of the ball but is not holding the ball.

12.5. Pass the ball: To throw the ball from one player to a teammate or to the area
controlled by a teammate. To throw the ball towards a teammate (or to
oneself) with the intention of keeping control of the ball (as opposed to the
intention to score a goal).

13. CORNER THROWS

13.1. Corner Throw: Throw awarded to the attacking team on the defender’s 2m line
as described in VI. 13.2.

13.2. Direct shot: The ball may be shot directly at the goal:
A) following a free throw when the player, the ball and the foul are outside
the 6 M line,
B) from a penalty throw,
262
 C) from a corner throw. (Described in VI.7.2)

14. NEUTRAL THROWS

14.1. Neutral Throw: Method of putting the ball into play when neither team has
possession. The referee restarts play by throwing the ball into the pool
between two opposing players, giving each an equal opportunity to recover the
ball.

15. PENALTY THROWS

15.1. Penalty Throw: A free shot at the goal from the 5 metre line defended only by
the goalkeeper. The defending goalkeeper shall be positioned on the goal line
between the goal posts and may move forward after the referee gives the
signal for the shot to be taken. Defending players may only enter the 6 metre
area after the ball has left the hand of the shooting player.

16. PERSONAL FOULS

16.1. Personal Foul: Individualized foul recorded against a player, when the referee
awards an exclusion or a penalty foul.

17. ADDENDUM WITH SOME OTHER OBSERVATIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS:

17.1. Transition: The phase of the game when a team changes from offense to
defense or from defense to offense.

17.2. Attacking player: Player whose team has possession of the ball; the team
controls the ball and has the opportunity to score a goal.

17.3. Defending player: Player whose team does not control, and does not have
possession of, the ball; a player trying to defend the team’s goal.

263
APPENDIX 4 - FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT

1 – FIELD OF PLAY

1.1 The promoting organisation shall be responsible for the correct measurements
and markings of the field of play and shall provide all required fixtures and
equipment.

1.2 The layout and markings of the field of play for a game officiated by two referees
shall be in accordance with this diagram:

Boundary lines from the goal posts in 2m long shall be marked in red to distinguish
the goal areas (VI 8.10)

264
1.3 In a game officiated by one referee, the referee shall officiate on the same side
as the official table, and the goal judges shall be situated on the opposite side.

1.4 For World Aquatics events, the dimensions of the field of play, water depth and
temperature, and light intensity shall be as set forth in the Water Polo Facilities
Rules. (VI 18)

1.5 Distinctive marks shall be provided on both sides of the field of play to denote
the following:

(a) white marks - goal line and half distance line

(b) red marks - 2 metres from goal lines
(c) yellow marks - 6 metres from goal lines
(d) a red marker shall be placed 5 metres from goal lines to indicate the point
from which a penalty shot must be taken

The sides of the field of play from the goal line to the 2 metre line shall be
marked in red; from the 2 metre line to the 6 metre line shall be marked in yellow
and from the 6 metre line to the half distance line shall be marked in green.

1.6 A red mark shall be placed at each end of the field of play, 2 metres from the
corner of the field of play on the side opposite to the official table, to denote
the exclusion re-entry area.

1.7 Sufficient space shall be provided to enable the referees to have free
movement from end to end of the field of play. Space shall also be provided at
the goal lines for the goal judges.

1.8 The secretary shall be provided with separate white, blue, red and yellow flags,
each measuring 0.35 metres x 0.20 metres.

265
2. GOALS

2.1 Two goal posts and a crossbar, rigidly constructed, rectangular with a
dimension of 0.075 metres facing the field of play and painted white shall be
located on the goal lines at each end, equal distances from the sides and not
less than 0.30 metres in front of the ends of the field of play.

2.2 The inner sides of the goal posts shall be 3 metres apart. When the water is
1.50 metres or more in depth, the underside of the crossbar shall be 0.90
metres from the water surface. When the water is less than 1.50 metres in
depth, the underside of the crossbar shall be 2.40 metres from the floor of the
pool.

2.3 Limp nets shall be securely fastened to the goal posts and crossbar to enclose
the entire goal area and shall be attached to the goal fixtures in such a manner
as to allow not less than 0.30 metres clear space behind the goal line
everywhere within the goal area.

3. BALL

3.1 The ball shall be round and shall have an air chamber with a self-closing valve.
It shall be waterproof, without external strapping or any covering of grease or
similar substance.

3.2 The weight of the ball shall be not less than 400 grammes and not more than
450 grammes.

3.3 For games played by men, the circumference of the ball shall be not less than
0.68 metres and not more than 0.71 metres, and its pressure shall be 7.5 to 8.5
pounds per square inch atmospheric.

3.4 For games played by women, the circumference of the ball shall be not less
than 0.65 metres and not more than 0.67 metres, and its pressure shall be 6.5
to 7.5 pounds per square inch atmospheric.

4. CAPS

4.1 Caps shall be of contrasting color, other than solid red, as approved by the
referees, but also to contrast with the color of the ball. A team may be required
by the referees to wear white or blue caps. The goalkeepers shall wear red caps
with numbers and/or ear guards in the same colour as their team members’
caps. Caps shall be fastened under the chin. If a player loses the cap during
play, the player shall replace it at the next appropriate stoppage of the game
when the player’s team is in possession of the ball. Caps shall be worn
throughout the entire game.

4.2 Caps shall be fitted with malleable ear protectors which shall be the same color
as the team's caps.

266
4.3 Caps shall be numbered on both sides with numbers 0.10 metres in height. The
goalkeeper shall wear cap no. 1 and the other caps shall be numbered 2 to 13.
A substitute goalkeeper shall wear a red cap numbered 13. A player shall not be
allowed to change cap number during the game except with the permission of
a referee and with notification to the secretary.

4.4 For international games, the caps shall display on the front the international
three letter country code and may display the national flag. The country code
shall be 0.04 metres in height.

5. VISIBLE CLOCKS

5.1 Any visible clock shall show the time in a descending manner.

267
APPENDIX 5 - OFFICIALS

1. OFFICIALS FOR WORLD AQUATICS EVENTS

1.1 For World Aquatics events the officials shall consist of two referees, two
assistant referees, timekeepers and secretaries and a video assistant
referee, each with the following powers and duties. These officials shall also
be provided wherever possible for other events, except that in a game
refereed by two referees and no assistant referees, the referees shall
assume the duties (but without making the specified signals) allocated to the
assistant referees.

Depending on the degree of importance, games can be controlled by teams

of four to nine officials, as follows:

(a) Referees and assistant referees: Two referees and two assistant referees;
or two referees and no assistant referees; or one referee and two assistant
referees.

(b) Timekeepers and secretaries: With one timekeeper and one secretary:
The timekeeper shall record the periods of continuous possession of the ball
by each team, in accordance with VI.8.14. The secretary shall record the exact
periods of actual play, timeouts and the intervals between periods, maintain
the record of the game as set out in VI.10.1 and shall also record the
respective periods of exclusion of players ordered from the water in
accordance with the Rules.

With two timekeepers and one secretary: Timekeeper No. 1 shall record the
exact periods of actual play, timeouts and the intervals between periods.
Timekeeper No. 2 shall record the periods of continuous possession of the
ball by each team, in accordance with VI.8.14. The secretary shall maintain the
record of the game and perform all other duties as set out in the Water Polo
Rules.

With two timekeepers and two secretaries: Timekeeper No. 1 shall record the
exact periods of actual play, timeouts and the intervals between periods.
Timekeeper No. 2 shall record the periods of continuous possession of the
ball by each team, in accordance with VI.8.14. Secretary No. 1 shall maintain
the record of the game. Secretary No. 2 shall carry out the duties relating to
the improper re-entry of excluded players, improper entry of substitutes,
exclusion of players and the third personal foul.

(c) Video assistant referee: shall assist the two referees as called for by the
Rules.

2. REFEREES

2.1 The use of audio equipment by the referees of the match. During the match,
both referees shall have an audio headset for communication between
themselves. The delegate and the VAR assistant referees will also have one,
but only to receive information for the official table and to ensure clarity.

2.2 All decisions of the referees on questions of fact shall be final and their
interpretation of the Rules shall be obeyed throughout the game. The
referees shall not make any presumption as to the facts of any situation
during the game but shall interpret what they observe to the best of their
ability.

268
2.3 The referees shall whistle to start and restart the game and to declare goals,
goal throws, corner throws (whether signalled by the assistant referee or not),
neutral throws and infringements of the Rules. A referee may alter a decision
provided it is done before the ball is put back into play.

2.4 The referees shall have the power to order any player from the water in
accordance with the appropriate Rule and to abandon the game should a
player refuse to leave the water when so ordered.

3. ASSISTANT REFEREES

3.1 The assistant referees shall be situated on the same side as the official table,
each on the goal line at the end of the field of play.

3.2 The duties of the assistant referees shall be:

(a) to signal by raising one arm vertically when the players are correctly
positioned on their respective goal lines at the start of a period;

(b) to signal by raising both arms vertically for an improper start or restart;

(c) to signal by pointing with the arm in the direction of the attack for a goal
throw;

(d) to signal by pointing with the arm in the direction of the attack for a
corner throw;

(e) to signal by raising and crossing both arms for a goal;

(f) to signal by raising both arms vertically for an improper re-entry of an

excluded player or improper entry of a substitute.

3.3 Each assistant referee shall be provided with a supply of balls and when the
original ball has gone outside the field of play, the assistant referee shall
immediately throw a new ball to the goalkeeper (for a goal throw), to the
nearest player of the attacking team (for a corner throw), or as otherwise
directed by the referee.

4. TIMEKEEPERS

4.1 The duties of the timekeepers shall be:

(a) to record the exact periods of actual play, timeouts and the intervals
between the periods;
(b) to record the periods of continuous possession of the ball by each team;
(c) to record the exclusion times of players ordered from the water in
accordance with the Rules, together with the re-entry times of such players
or their substitutes;

(d) to audibly announce the start of the last minute of the game;
269
 (e) to signal by whistle after 45 seconds and at the end of each timeout.

4.2 A timekeeper shall signal by whistle (or by any other means provided it is
distinctive, acoustically efficient and readily understood), the end of each
period independently of the referees and the signal shall take immediate
effect except:

(a) in the case of the simultaneous award by a referee of a penalty throw, in

which event the penalty throw shall be taken in accordance with the Rules;

(b) if the ball is in flight and crosses the goal line, in which event any resulting
goal shall be allowed.

5. SECRETARIES

5.1 The duties of the secretaries shall be:

(a) to maintain the record of the game, including the players, the score,
timeouts, exclusion fouls, penalty fouls, and personal fouls awarded against
each player;

(b) to control the periods of exclusion of players and to signal the expiration
of the period of exclusion by raising the appropriate flag or by another
approved method of signalling; except that a referee shall signal the re-entry
of an excluded player or a substitute when that player’s team has retaken
possession of the ball. After 4 minutes, the secretary should signal the re-
entry of a substitute for a player who has been excluded for violent action by
raising the yellow flag along with the appropriate coloured flag or by another
approved method of signalling;

(c) to signal with the red flag and by whistle, or by another approved method
of signalling, for any improper re-entry of an excluded player or improper
entry of a substitute (including after a signal by an assistant referee to
indicate an improper re-entry or entry), which signal shall stop play
immediately;

(d) to signal, without delay, the award of a third personal foul against any
player as follows:

(i) with the red flag, or by another approved method of signalling, if the
third personal foul is an exclusion foul;
(ii) with the red flag and a whistle, or by another approved method of
signalling, if the third personal foul is a penalty foul.

6. VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE

6.1 The duties of the Video Assistant referee shall be:

(a) to alert and assist the match referee(s) in doubtful “goal / no goal”
situations or in case of violent action situations by providing the video
footage at the appropriate moment.

(b) if necessary, in other situations, to provide assistance to the

referees with video footage;

(c) to show the match referee(s) re-plays of other incidents, when

requested.

270
7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF TWO REFEREES

7.1 The referees are in absolute control of the game and shall have equal powers
to declare fouls and penalties. Differences of opinion of the referees shall not
serve as a basis for protest or appeal.

7.2 The committee or organisation appointing the referees shall have power to
designate the side of the pool from which each referee shall officiate.
Referees shall change sides of the pool before the start of any period when
the teams do not change ends.

7.3 At the start of the game and of each period, the referees will position
themselves on the respective six (6) metre line. The starting signal shall be
given by the referee on the same side as the official table.

7.4 After a goal, the signal to restart shall be given by the referee who was
controlling the attacking situation when the goal was scored. Before
restarting, the referees shall ensure that any substitutions have been
completed.

7.5 Each referee shall have the power to declare fouls in any part of the field of
play but each referee shall give primary attention to the offensive situation
attacking the goal to the referee’s right. The referee not controlling the
attacking situation (the defensive referee) generally shall maintain a position
no closer to the goal being attacked than that player of the attacking team
furthest back from the goal.

7.6 When awarding a free throw, goal throw or corner throw, the referee making
the decision shall blow the whistle and both referees shall indicate the
direction of the attack, to enable players in different parts of the pool to see
quickly which team has been awarded the throw. Referees shall use the
signals set out in the following C.8 to indicate the nature of the fouls which
they are penalising.

7.7 The signal for a penalty throw to be taken shall be made by the attacking
referee, except that a player who wishes to take the throw with the left hand
may request the defensive referee to make the signal.

7.8 When simultaneous awards are made for ordinary fouls but for opposing
teams, the award shall be a neutral throw by the attacking referee.

7.9 When simultaneous awards are made by both referees and one is for an
ordinary foul and the other is for an exclusion foul or penalty foul, the
exclusion foul or penalty foul award shall be applied.

271
7.10 When players of both teams commit an exclusion foul simultaneously during
play, the referees shall call the ball from the water and make sure both teams
and the secretaries know who is excluded. The possession clock is not reset
and play is restarted with a free throw to the team which had possession of
the ball. If neither team had possession when the simultaneous exclusions
were called, the possession clock is reset to 30 seconds and play shall be
restarted with a neutral throw.

7.11 In the event of simultaneous awards of penalty throws to both teams, the
first throw shall be taken by the team last in possession of the ball. After the
second penalty throw has been taken, the game will restart with the team
which had possession of the ball receiving a free throw on or behind the half
distance line. The possession clock is reset to 30 seconds.

8. SIGNALS TO BE USED BY OFFICIALS

A. The referee lowers the arm from a vertical position

to signal (i) the start of the period (ii) to restart after
a goal (iii) the taking of a penalty throw.

B. To point with one arm in the direction of the attack

and, if necessary, to use the other arm to indicate
the place where the ball is to be put into play at a free
throw, goal throw or corner throw.

C. To signal a neutral throw. The referee points to the

place where the neutral throw has been awarded,
points both thumbs up and calls for the ball.

D. To signal the exclusion of a player. The referee

points to the player and then moves the arm quickly
towards the boundary of the field of play. The
referee then signals the excluded player’s cap
number so that it is visible to the field of play and the
table.

272
E. To signal the simultaneous exclusion of two
players. The referee points with both hands to the
two players, signals their exclusion in accordance
with Fig. D, and then immediately signals the
players’ cap numbers.

F. To signal the exclusion of a player for misconduct.

The referee signals exclusion in accordance with
Fig. D (or Fig. E if appropriate) and then rotates the
hands round one another in such a way that is
visible to both the field of play and the table in
addition to issuing the player with a red card. The
referee then signals the excluded player’s cap
number to the table.

G. To signal the exclusion of a player with substitution

after four (4) minutes. The referee signals
exclusion in accordance with Fig D (or Fig. E if
appropriate) and then crosses the arms in such a
way that is visible to both the field of play and the
table in addition to issuing the player with a red
card. The referee then signals the excluded
player’s cap number to the table.

H. To signal the award of a penalty throw. The referee

raises an arm with five fingers in the air. The
referee then signals the offending player’s cap
number to the table.

I. To signal that a goal has been scored. The referee

signals by whistle and by immediately pointing to
the centre of the field of play.

J. To indicate the exclusion foul of holding an

opponent. The referee makes a motion holding the
wrist of one hand with the other hand.

273
K. To indicate the exclusion foul of sinking an
opponent. The referee makes a downward motion
with both hands starting from a horizontal position.

L. To indicate the exclusion foul of pulling back an

opponent. The referee makes a pulling motion with
both hands vertically extended and pulling towards
their body.

M. To indicate the exclusion foul of kicking an

opponent. The referee makes a kicking movement.

N. To indicate the exclusion foul of striking an

opponent. The referee makes a striking motion
with a closed fist starting from a horizontal
position.

O. To indicate the ordinary foul of pushing or pushing

off from an opponent. The referee makes a
pushing motion away from the body starting from
a horizontal position.

P. To indicate the exclusion foul of impeding an

opponent. The referee makes a crossing motion
with one hand horizontally crossing the other.

Q. To indicate the ordinary foul of taking the ball

under the water. The referee makes a downward
motion with a hand starting from a horizontal
position.

274
R. To indicate the ordinary foul of standing on the
bottom of the pool. The referee raises and lowers
one foot.

S. To indicate the ordinary foul of undue delay in the

taking of a free throw, goal throw or corner throw.
The referee raises a hand once or twice with the
palm turned upwards.

T. To indicate the ordinary foul of a violation of the

two-metre rule. The referee indicates the number
2 by raising the fore and middle fingers in the air
with the arm vertically extended.

U. To indicate the ordinary foul of expiry of

possession time. The referee moves a hand in a
circular motion two or three times.

V. To indicate that a direct shot from outside the 6 m.

area is permitted.

W. To indicate a change of possession

X. By an assistant referee to signal for the start of a

period

275
Y. By an assistant referee to signal an improper start,
restart or improper re-entry of an excluded player
or substitute.

Z. By an assistant referee to signal a goal throw or

corner throw.

AA. By an assistant referee to signal a goal.

To indicate a player’s cap number. To enable the referee to communicate

better with the players and the secretary, signals are made using both

276
hands if appropriate where the number exceeds five. One hand shows five
fingers with the other hand showing additional fingers to make up the sum
of the player’s number. For the number ten, a clenched fist is shown. If the
number exceeds ten, one hand is shown as a clenched fist with the other
hand showing additional fingers to make up the sum of the player’s
number.

277