BASIC RULES

- water polo game is divided into 4 periods of 8 minutes actual playing time (shorter periods for younger age groups or amateur leagues) with teams exchanging ends after each period.

- two teams consisting of 7 (6 + 1 goalkeeper) players in the water plus up to 6 substitutes.

- substitutions may be made after each period end, when a goal has been scored (by either team), if a player has been excluded by the referee or by injury; and during play by the team in possession of the ball.

- officials include 2 referees, plus timekeepers (side referees are selected for bigger competitions).

- catching, passing and shooting with the ball must be one handed (with the exception of the goalkeeper).

- standing or jumping are not allowed (with the exception of the goalkeeper in pools with a shallow end), players must tread water and are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool (in deep pools).

- holding or sinking of an opposing player is not allowed unless that player is holding the ball at the time.

- taking the ball underwater when tackled is not allowed.

- fouls are classified as ordinary or major (3 major fouls will cause a player to be excluded for the remainder of the match).

- ordinary fouls - touching the ball with two hands (with the exception of the goalkeeper); taking the ball underwater when tackled; impeding an opponent who is not holding the ball; pushing off an opponent.

- major files (may result in a water polo player being sent out of play for 20 seconds) - kicking or striking; deliberate splashing in the face; interfering with a free throw; misconduct or disrespect to the referee; holding, sinking or pulling back an opponent who is not holding the ball.

- penalty - infringements occurring within the 5m zone can result in the award of a penalty foul, if the referee deems the foul has prevented an almost certain goal. The water polo player taking the penalty throw has a free shot at the goal from the 5m line, with only the goalie defending.

- possession of the ball by each team is limited to 30 seconds actual playing time (no time possession in amateur leagues), at the end of which possession is awarded to the other team (possession time will be restarted by the occurrence of a shot on goal resulting in a corner, or by a major foul).

- there is no real offside rule, except within 2m of the opponent’s goal line.