RULES
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
During game play, seven players (six field players and a goalkeeper) from each team are allowed in the pool. If a player commits a major foul that results in an exclusion, then that given team will only have six players until the player is allowed to re-enter the game. If a player commits an extremely violent act, then the referee will roll the player. If a player is rolled, their team is forced to play with just six players for four minutes. As for the player, in addition to having to sit out the remainder of the game, they must also sit out the next game.
Players are allowed to be substituted in and out following goals, during timeouts, at the start of each quarter, and after fouls or injuries. During a game, subbing players must enter and exit from the corner of the pool. When play is stopped, players may enter and exit from wherever in the pool. If at any point during a game, a team has more players in the pool than what is allowed, a penalty shot is given to the opposing team.
During game play, seven players (six field players and a goalkeeper) from each team are allowed in the pool. If a player commits a major foul that results in an exclusion, then that given team will only have six players until the player is allowed to re-enter the game. If a player commits an extremely violent act, then the referee will roll the player. If a player is rolled, their team is forced to play with just six players for four minutes. As for the player, in addition to having to sit out the remainder of the game, they must also sit out the next game.
Players are allowed to be substituted in and out following goals, during timeouts, at the start of each quarter, and after fouls or injuries. During a game, subbing players must enter and exit from the corner of the pool. When play is stopped, players may enter and exit from wherever in the pool. If at any point during a game, a team has more players in the pool than what is allowed, a penalty shot is given to the opposing team.
DURATION OF GAME
The game of water polo is divided into four periods, with a half time between the second and third periods. The length of a game depends on the level of play:
The game of water polo is divided into four periods, with a half time between the second and third periods. The length of a game depends on the level of play:
Level of Play
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Team Level
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Time of each period
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GAME AND SHOT CLOCK
The game clock is only stopped when the ball is not "in play", which is between a foul being committed and the free throw being taken, and the time between a goal being scored and a restart. A team may not have possession of the ball for more than 30 seconds without taking a shot. After 30 seconds, the possession of the ball is switched to the opposing team. However, if the team shoots the ball within their possession, and regains control of the ball, the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds. Each team has one timeout to call per quarter, as long as the ball is in their possession. If a game goes into overtime, each team is awarded one timeout.
The game clock is only stopped when the ball is not "in play", which is between a foul being committed and the free throw being taken, and the time between a goal being scored and a restart. A team may not have possession of the ball for more than 30 seconds without taking a shot. After 30 seconds, the possession of the ball is switched to the opposing team. However, if the team shoots the ball within their possession, and regains control of the ball, the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds. Each team has one timeout to call per quarter, as long as the ball is in their possession. If a game goes into overtime, each team is awarded one timeout.
POOL DIMENSIONS
The dimensions of a water polo pool differ from pool to pool. The dimensions of the pool differ between 20x10 and 30x20 meters. The minimum water height must be at least 6 feet, however sometimes it will be less. Water Polo goals are 3 meters wide and 90 centimeters high. The middle of the pool is separated by a designated line. The five and two meter lines are also designated on the pool. No player of the attacking team is allowed to receive a ball inside the the "two meter" line. |