NEW WORLD AQUATICS RULES

Please note: This is a summary of key rule changes. For full explanations, diagrams and examples, refer to the official rules (page 219) or speak to your coach.

World Aquatics has released updates to the Technical Water Polo Rules, now in effect for international competition. These amendments have also been adopted by Water Polo Australia and will apply during the Richmond Cup Competition.

Some changes introduce new rules, while others clarify or formalise existing interpretations that referees were already following.

Field of Play

• The length for men's matches has been reduced to 25m, now matching the field dimensions used in women's games (25m x 20m).

Teams & Players

• Each team may list 14 players: max 12 field players and 2 goalkeepers.

• Teams must start with 7 players, including a goalkeeper—but after the start, may play with 7 field players if desired.

• If no eligible goalkeeper remains, a field player may act as goalie, wearing a red cap.

• After a timeout, play resumes with 7 field players (no goalkeeper required).

Substitutions

• Touching hands is no longer required between incoming and outgoing players.

• Players may exit and re-enter through either the exclusion re-entry area or flying substitution zone, provided no interference occurs.

Timeouts

• A coach can now call a timeout before a penalty throw.

• Both teams may substitute during this timeout.

• If a timeout is called before a corner throw, play restarts from behind the halfway line.

Scoring

• A goal may be scored:

  • After at least two players touch the ball following a restart (excluding goalkeepers).

  • Directly from a penalty, goal throw, corner, or free throw outside 6m.

• The location of the ball, not the foul, now determines eligibility for an immediate shot outside 6m.

• Maximum ball possession time is:

  • 30 seconds for women

  • 25 seconds for men

• A 15-second possession applies after:

  • A rebound (off post/player/goalkeeper)

  • An exclusion

  • A corner or penalty throw without a change of possession

Wasting Time

• New rules focus on intentional time-wasting (e.g. throwing the ball away or refusing to play).

• Some previously penalised actions are now allowed:

  • Ball passed backwards into own half

  • Attacker holds ball without moving

  • Goalkeeper alone in defensive half receiving the ball

Exclusion & Re-entry

• Excluded players must exit quickly and surface in the re-entry area nearest their own goal.

• Re-entry no longer requires hand contact with the substitute.

Leaving the Pool

• Players who exit the water or sit on the side during play (without reason or referee permission) are penalised for misconduct.

Going Under Water

• A player going underwater to gain an advantage is penalised:

  • As an ordinary foul if it involves contact and positioning

  • As an exclusion foul if it impedes an opponent

Improper or Illegal Player

• Illegal player (e.g. 8th player or ineligible player) = penalty foul.

• Improper entry (e.g. no cap, early re-entry) = penalty foul.

• Play resumes with a penalty throw and 7 vs 7 in the water.

Free Throws

• In a counterattack, the nearest player may take the free throw—no need to stop or go backward if it disrupts the advantage.

Penalty Throws

• If the goalkeeper moves early and the penalty is missed:

  • The throw is retaken and the goalkeeper is excluded.

• At the end of a period, only the shooter and goalkeeper remain in the water for a penalty.

Personal Fouls & Cards

• 3 personal fouls = exclusion for the rest of the game.

• Yellow Card:

  • For unsporting behaviour, persistent fouls, or minor protests.

• Red Card:

  • For serious misconduct by players or coaches—must leave pool area immediately.

Injury & Substitution

• Non-bleeding injuries: Referee may stop play briefly and allow immediate substitution.

• Bleeding: Player must leave immediately and may return once bleeding stops.

Penalty Shootout (PSO) Protocol

• 5 shooters must stay on their side, outside the 6m line.

• Goalkeepers must be in position; early movement = exclusion and re-take.

• Excluded goalkeepers during PSO can be replaced by another eligible goalkeeper.

If you have any questions, please speak to your coach or refer to the official rules (page 219) .