The Simplest Guide to Watching Water Polo
For new fans and clueless parents!
What the **** is going on?
That’s what most people watching their first water polo game are thinking. It looks exciting, but after realizing it’s hopeless they will give up trying to follow along. It’s not surprising either; the rules ARE confusing, and half of the game is played underwater. I mean, what are they supposed to make of the sometimes 100+ whistles blown in a single match?
Yes, it’s an irregular sport, but what makes water polo difficult to understand is also what makes it so special and amazing. That’s why once people do get the gist of things, they love it!
So I’ve summarized what I think are the most important rules to understand, for you to share with your spouse, friend, parent, and anyone else who needs an explanation. If they’ve seen a game, they have probably wondered:
What do those cones mean?
What are all of the different whistles?
Why did everyone just start swimming the other way?
I’ll answer these and a bit more. It’s not everything, but hopefully it’s just enough for them to be able to follow a game and enjoy it. We can easily grow the sport just by doing a better job explaining it to our friends and family.
The Simplest Guide to Watching Water Polo
Cones
One of the first things you’ll notice about a water polo course are the three colored cones near each end. These cones mark important distances from the goal line for different reasons.
The 2 Meter Line is always marked with a red cone. There is also 1 meter of red lane rope connected to either end of the goal. Together, these create a 5 meter by 2 meter zone directly in front of the goal. This zone cannot be entered by offensive players, unless their team brings the ball inside the two meter line. Players can then get as close to the goal as the ball already is.
The 5 Meter Line is usually marked with a yellow cone, sometimes a second red. Penalty shots are taken from this distance.
The 6 Meter Line can be marked with a green, blue, or yellow cone. It distinguishes key differences between fouls committed either inside or outside of this cone. More information below.
A white cone is used to designate the center line of the field of play.
Ordinary Fouls
Ordinary fouls are called when a defending player leans on, holds, or sinks an opponent who has clear possession of the ball.
The player must let go of the ball during the physical contact to be eligible to be awarded the foul.
If a player is holding the ball (and not letting go); they can be held, sunk, and even climbed on with no consequence for the defending team. The referee will not blow their whistle unless the player in possession purposefully lets go of the ball during the contact.
Ordinary fouls are indicated with a single whistle from the referee, and the ref will point in the direction that the fouled team is attacking.
The fouled player now has a free throw. They have three seconds where the defender is not allowed to touch them, so they can make a free pass.
If they haven’t passed it in 3 seconds, they must put the ball back in play. They “play the ball” by popping it, or dropping it back in the water. Once the ball is back in play, the defender may resume contact with the offender.
6 Meter Line
If an ordinary foul is awarded to a player inside the 6 Meter Line, they aren’t allowed to shoot, even after playing the ball. They have to pass the ball to a teammate and receive it back before they can shoot.
If an ordinary foul is awarded to a player outside of the 6 meter line, they are allowed to take a direct shot, meaning they can pick the ball up and shoot in one motion. If they don’t take a direct shot and decide to put the ball back in play, they are eligible to shoot, even after fakes. Here’s a great video explanation from Sleepy Hollow Aquatics:
Exclusion Fouls
Exclusions are indicated with 3 whistles from the referee. You’ll hear two quick whistles, and a third longer whistle. They result in the defending player leaving the pool for 20 seconds, or until the defending team regains possession of the ball.
Ejections, as they are often referred to, count as a “major foul”. A player is not allowed to re-enter the game if they have accumulated 3 major fouls.
Primarily, ejections are called if someone excessively holds, sinks, or pulls back an opponent who is not holding the ball.
Ejections are also called if a defender commits an ordinary foul with intent to stop the flow of attack. Basically, this means you may not foul a player with the ball if they are between you and the goal. That’s because they would have kept swimming and attacking the goal if you hadn’t fouled them.
There are many more less common instances in which exclusions are called. Here are just a few
If a defender interferes with a free throw.
If a player intentionally splashes water in the face of an opponent.
If a player uses excessive force when committing an ordinary foul
If a player is guilty of misconduct, such as unacceptable language or showing disrespect to a referee.
Once a player is excluded, the attacking team will set up their “extra” or “6on5” attack. It’s a key part of the game and you’ll begin to recognize it quickly. One hint is that the ball will start moving much more quickly around the perimeter positions. Teams will set up in the formation below:
Thank you to Water Polo Authority for the useful graphic. Water Polo Authority has created a bunch of useful digital tools for coaches and players. Check it out!
Penalties
Penalties, often referred to as 5 meters, are indicated by a single long whistle paired with the referee signalling the number 5.
A penalty shot is taken from the 5 meter line. The player must shoot in a single motion.
The cardinal rule for penalties states that they are awarded when a defending player commits any foul within the 6 meter line, if a goal would probably have been scored without the foul.
This is interpreted as the following: If the player with the ball is directly in front of the goal, and their defender is behind them, then a penalty will be awarded if that defender touches the player with the ball. This rule is so influential that many teams do everything they can to get the ball to a player in this scenario.
Referees are allowed to delay the whistle to wait and see whether the attacking player will score anyways. If they don’t score, the penalty will still be called.
Penalties count as a major foul.
Like exclusions, there are many more particular instances in which a penalty may be called. Here’s a few:
If a goalie commits what would normally be considered an ordinary foul, inside of 6 meters, it is a penalty.
If a field player attempts to block a shot within 6 meters using both hands.
If an excluded player interferes with play. For example not leaving the field of play quick enough, or bumping into an opposing player (even accidentally) while exiting.
If a coach tries to call a timeout when their team does not have possession of the ball.
Turnovers
There are lots of rules that result in an immediate change of possession, otherwise known as a turnover. Turnovers are indicated by two whistles paired with the referee pointing in the direction of the newly attacking team.
Some of the most common examples of instances that result in turnovers:
If a player forgets to put the ball in play 3 seconds after any foul or change of possesion.
If a defender forces their opponent to put the ball underwater, it is a turnover. This is called a “ball under”. It’s easy to do when the player holding the ball places their hand on top of the ball.
If an attacking player swims directly over the top of a defender.
If an attacking player unknowingly drifts inside of the 2 meter by 5 meter zone in front of the goal. Similar to the offsides rule in soccer.
More Quick Rules
If you ever accidentally bump an opposing players head, you are immediately excluded (if you are on defense) or the ball is turned over (if you are on offense).
Players must “play the ball” after every exclusion, turnover, or any other instances of stopped play. When in doubt, play the ball.
A team has 30 seconds to attack. If there is a shot taken or an exclusion called, the clock is reset to 20 seconds. The clock stops every time there is a foul, and resumes when the ball is put back in play.
On a shot, if the goalie touches the ball before it goes out of the field of play, the offensive team is awarded a corner throw (similar to soccer). It’s NOT a corner throw if a defender blocked the ball out of bounds.
Hopefully this helps clear up some confusion for parents, young players, and anyone else who needs help understanding this complex sport. If you’re interested in a deep dive, here’s the whole Rule Book. Water Polo rules are between pages 214 and 222.
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Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, or if there’s anything important I missed!