New Player - Rules of the Game

We have had several new players join the team and asking about the rules.

Here is an introduction to the game:
How to Play...

A brief look at what is involved in the sport of water polo, the oldest team sport in the modern Olympic Games.

What is the object of the game?

The object of the game is to maneuver, by head, feet, or hand, a ball 27 to 28 in. (about 70 cm) in circumference into net-enclosed goals at opposite ends of a pool. The two competing teams consist of seven players each, one of whom is the goalie. Only one hand may be used to advance the ball.



How many players on a team?

There are seven players in the water for each team at any given time- six field players and a goalie. The home team wears white caps, the visiting team blue caps, and goalies wear red caps with the number "1" in white or blue.

How does the game begin?

A game begins with the ball in the center of the pool and both teams sprint for it from their own goal lines. The ball can be advanced by passing with one hand or "dribbling," swimming with the head above the water and the ball between the arms so it rides on the wave created by the swimmer's head. No player except the goalie can hold the ball with two hands.

Are there referees?

Yes, there are two referees that pace the sides of the pool calling fouls. Defensive players are not allowed to interfere with an opponent's movements unless the player is holding the ball. A penalty shot, taken from the five-meter line, is awarded for fouls near the cage that prevent a probable goal.
For minor fouls, a free throw is awarded from the spot of the foul. The player taking the free throw may pass the ball or drop it onto the water and pick it up again to put it into play. At least two players must touch the ball after a free throw before a goal can be scored.

How long is a game?

A game is divided into quarters that are seven minutes in length. After a tie, there are two overtime periods of three minutes each. If the game is still tied after the overtime periods the teams participate in a five-meter penalty shoot-out.






What is Water Polo?

Water polo can best be described as contact soccer in the pool, in which athletes use their arms, not their legs, to throw the ball through the opponent's goal. This game of strength, quickness and endurance consists of a team of seven in the water at once, including a goalie.



The Field
The playing area is 30x20 meters (25x17 meter for Women), with a minimum of 2 meters (61/2 feet) of depth.

Teams
Each team is allowed 13 players, with a goalkeeper and six field players participationg at any one time. Players tread water the entire game and cannot touch the bottom or side of the pool. No player except the goalkeeper may handle the ball with more than one hand.

Duration of Play
The game is separated into four quarters of 5, 6, or 7 minutes, depending upon the level of competition, with a two minute interval between quarters. Substitutions are permitted only after a goal is scored, between periods or for an ejected player. Each team is allowed two-one minute time-outs.

The Start of Play
Each quarter is started with teams lined up on opposite goal lines. On a signal (whistle) from the referee, the teams spring toward center pool/side of pool for the ball. The ball is placed in a pull start or dropped by a referee. Teams then sprint to the ball in an attempt to gain the first possession.

Time Clock
As in basketball, there is a shot clock. Each team has 35 seconds to shoot the ball at the goal; if no shot is taken a free throw is awarded to the opposing team. In addition, a game clock keeps track of the time left in each quarter of the contest.