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An introduction to the rules of Water Polo...by Scott Finney
Remember, these are just the basic rules, to help give you an understanding
of the game. The pictures were taken from the official rules of US Water
Polo.
Definitions- Minor Fouls - Major
Fouls - Referee Signals
Definitions:
Minor Foul - The whistle is blown once and play stops. If the player who is
fouled has the ball, they get a free throw. If the player who is fouled is
a defender, they are awarded the ball and get a free throw. The referee
will point to the player who has the free throw with one arm and the
direction of the team with the other.
Major Foul - The whistle is blown twice. Play stops, and the player who
commits the foul gets ejected for 20 seconds. This usually happens to a
defensive player. The referee will point to the player who commits the foul
(and blow the whistle), and point to the ejection area (and blow the
whistle again).
Brutality - A brutality is called when a player kicks or strikes (or attempts
to kick or strike) an opponent or official with malicious intent. The
player who is charged with a brutality is excluded from the rest of the
game. (See WP 21.10).
Important Rules:
1.
Players
can touch the ball with only ONE HAND
2.
Players
cannot stand on the bottom of the pool. (This is not entirely true, but it
is the way we will play).
3.
Players
are allowed only TWO major fouls during a game. On the third, the player is
ejected.
4.
If
a defender interferes with a free throw, it is a MAJOR foul (ejection).
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Examples of
Minor Fouls:
1.
When
a player pushes off the side of the pool (or the bottom).
2.
A
"False Start" at the beginning of play.
3.
Holding
the ball under water (even if the defensive player is holding your arm
down):
4.
Touching
the ball with two hands.
5.
Hitting
the arm or body of an offensive player who has the ball:
6.
Hitting
the ball with a clenched fist.
7.
Pushing
off of a defensive player:
8.
When
a player is within 2 meters of their opponent's goal (and the ball is
behind them). (This is considered off-sides).
9.
When
the player throws the ball out of bounds.
10.
If
the team keeps the ball for more than 35 seconds (the length of the shot
clock) without taking a shot on goal.
Examples of
Major Fouls:
1.
If
the offensive player intentionally comes in contact with the defensive
player:
2.
Holding
on to the offensive player:
3.
Interfering
with a free throw:
4.
Pulling
back on a player:
5.
Sinking
a player:
6.
Misconduct
(foul language, etc.)
7.
Leaving
the ejection area illegally.
Examples of
Referee Signals:
Ball Under
Minor Foul
Off the Bottom
Ejections - Single and Double
Jump Ball (Neutral Throw)
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PLAYER POSITIONS
2 Meter: The ideal 2 meter player is big both in weight and height. He/She
needs average speed and good hands. Having both left and right handers
helps the team offensively. A 2 meter player needs to have an even
disposition and poise, while absorbing punishment, in order to be effective
offensively. He/She must be smart and able to make reads quickly.
2 Meter Guard: A 2 meter defender must have the size to match up with
large 2 meter players. He/She must be tough, quick and possess above
average end to end speed. Quickness may compensate for a lack of size, but
both are preferable. He/She must have the tools to develop into a strong
outside shooter.
Utility: Because this is a player that will be expected to do a little bit of
everything, he/she must be quick, fast, strong, and of average height and
weight. Quite often he/she is outgoing, confident, and the team leader.
Point Driver: Starting with quickness and speed, this player also must be creative
and smart. He/She must be able to accelerate and get inside water, he/she
needs good hands and a quick release. He/She must have the ability to make
things happen.
Lefty Driver: In addition to a solid left hand, he/she must be quick, with the
ability to accelerate to get open. He/She must be a good outside shooter,
an excellent passer and playmaker.
Post Driver: This player may be average in size, but must be fast. He/She needs
power along with quickness. He/She must lead the counter attack, be able to
get ball side and set up a counter attack player. He/She will be expected
to shoot will from the outside and be an accurate passer.
Goalie: A
goalie must be mentally tough, with the ability to maintain his/her
composure during stressful game situations. Personality and attitude are
vital traits for a quality goalie. Size, especially height, is important,
but quickness and strong legs are of a higher priority. A quality goalie
must be able to pass accurately, both long and short. He/She must be a
student of the game, both offensively and defensively.
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