Understanding the Game of Water Polo 
The Field of Play 
The water polo pool is segmented into zones marked by colored lines along the sides:
Goal Line - White
- A goal counts only when the ball goes completely across the goal line and into the goal (close doesn't count!)
- The ball is out of bounds if it crosses the goal line but misses the goal
2-Meter Line - Red
- No offensive player is allowed inside the 2-meter area unless they have possession of the ball or the ball is inside 2-,meter area
5-Meter Line - Yellow
- Penalty territory! If a defender commits a foul here that prevents a "probable goal," it results in a penalty shot
6-Meter Line - Green 
IMPORTANT ZONE
- Critical shooting opportunity: If an offensive player is fouled outside the 6-meter line, they can take an immediate direct shot at goal
- Strategic positioning: This line creates additional tactical opportunities for both offense and defense
- Expanded direct shot zone: Gives teams more chances to capitalize on defensive fouls with immediate scoring opportunities
Center Line - White
- Mid-pool restart: After each goal, play restarts here
Players & Equipment 
Team Composition
- 7 players per team in the water (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
- Home team: White/light caps, starts left side of scoring table
- Visiting team: Blue/dark caps, starts right side of scoring table
- Goalkeepers: Red caps with ear guards and matching numbers
Substitutions
- Free substitutions after goals, timeouts, or between periods
- During play: Must substitute through team's re-entry area (corner by team bench)
Fouls & Penalties 
Water polo has two main types of fouls that referees whistle:
Minor (Ordinary) Fouls
Referee Signal: One whistle blast + arm pointed toward attack direction
Most Common: Impeding a player who doesn't have the ball (standard defensive tactic)
Other Minor Fouls:
• Delaying too long on free throws
• Holding ball underwater
• Touching ball with two hands (except goalkeeper in 5m area)
• Walking/pushing off pool bottom (except goalkeeper in 5m area)
• Tipping ball out of bounds
• Shot clock violation (30 seconds)
Result: Free throw for fouled team. If a foul occurs outside 6m line, it can be taken as a direct shot!
Major (Personal) Fouls
These are assigned to individual players and have serious consequences:
Exclusion for 20 Seconds
Most Common: Holding, sinking, or pulling back a player without the ball
Other Exclusions:
• Interfering with free throws
• Kicking or striking
Referee Signal: Two short + one long whistle blast, point at player, then toward re-entry area
Exclusion + Substitution (20s)
For: Serious infractions involving violence or disrespect
Referee Signal: Exclusion signal + circular motion with both hands
Brutality Foul
For: Obvious intent to injure another player
Consequences:
• Player removed from current game AND next game
• No substitution allowed for 4 minutes of game time
• Opposing team gets penalty throw
Referee Signal: Crossed forearms with fists
Penalty Fouls
When: Any foul inside 5m line that prevents a probable goal (most common when attacker is fouled from behind)
Result: Penalty throw (5-meter shot)
Referee Signal: 2-3 whistle blasts + number 5 held up
Conduct Fouls 
For inappropriate behavior from bench personnel:
Yellow Card
- Warning for head coach about team behavior
- Only issued to head coach
Red Card
- Person must leave bench area
- No communication with team for remainder of current game AND all of next game (including warm-ups)
Key Rule Reminders 
• Three major fouls = ejection from game (no return)
• No limit on minor fouls per player
• 30-second shot clock keeps game moving
• Probable goal prevention in 5m area = penalty throw
• Direct shots allowed on fouls outside 6m line (expanded opportunity!)
Ready to jump in? Water polo combines swimming endurance, basketball strategy, and soccer teamwork into one of the most exciting sports in the water! 
Questions about water polo rules or want to join Blue Crush? Contact Coach Gary at [email protected] or 971-275-5394
