🤽‍♂️ Parent Guide: Water Polo - The Rules

Parent Guide Series

If you’ve ever sat poolside at a water-polo match wondering what on earth just happened — you’re not alone. Between the whistles, the splashing, and the constant movement, the game can look chaotic. But once you understand the basics, you’ll see just how tactical, skilful, and fast-paced it really is.

This quick guide breaks down the key rules, timings, and referee signals — so next time you’re watching a Bluefins match, you’ll know exactly why everyone’s cheering!

The Pool and the Players

The playing area is typically 30 × 20 m, at least 2 m deep — no standing allowed!

• Each team has 13 players: seven in the water (six field players + one goalkeeper) and six substitutes.

• Players tread water continuously using the eggbeater kick.

• Only the goalkeeper may use both hands; all others handle the ball with one.

Game Structure

• Four eight-minute quarters of stopped time (clock pauses when play stops).

• Two-minute breaks between quarters.

• If tied: two × three-minute overtimes, then sudden death if still level.

• Each team gets two time-outs per match.

Substitutions

Subs can happen:

• Between quarters, after goals, or for exclusions.

• “On the fly” — a swimmer tags out at their bench corner and a teammate dives in.

Starting Play

Each quarter begins with a sprint.

Teams line up on their goal line; on the whistle, they race to centre-pool for the ball.

Possession is advanced by swimming, passing, or dribbling.

Scoring

A goal counts when the ball fully crosses the goal line — worth one point.

Games move quickly, with transitions from defence to attack in seconds.

The Shot Clock

Like basketball, two clocks run:

• One for quarter time.

• One for the 30-second shot clock (time the attacking team has to shoot).

If they fail to shoot, possession changes — keeping play fast and exciting.

Fouls — Making Sense of the Whistle

Ordinary Fouls

The most common (about 90% of whistles). Result: a quick free throw.

Common examples:

• Touching the ball with both hands

• Taking it underwater when tackled

• Impeding an opponent not holding the ball

• Pushing off another player

• Stalling or failing to shoot within 30 seconds

Players can’t shoot directly from a free throw unless the foul occurred outside 5 m from goal.

Major Fouls

Lead to a 20-second exclusion (like a short sin-bin).

A player must leave the water until the timer expires, a goal is scored, or possession changes.

Examples include:

• Holding, sinking, or pulling back an opponent not holding the ball

• Kicking, striking, or deliberate splashing

• Interfering with a free throw

• Misconduct or disrespect toward officials

Three major fouls and the player is out for the game.

Brutality & Penalties

• Brutality = immediate ejection; substitution after 4 minutes.

• Penalty fouls = awarded inside 5 m when a clear scoring chance is stopped unfairly.

A penalty throw is taken from 5 m — one attacker versus the goalie.

Strategy in Action

Water Polo is organised chaos — a blend of swim speed, strength, and quick thinking.

Teams constantly switch between attack and defence, using coded plays and adapting to the shot clock.

💬 Coach’s View:

“Think of it as basketball in water,” says Coach Youssef Awad.

“Fast transitions, quick decisions, and constant communication — that’s what makes it so exciting.”

Bluefins Tip for Parents

Watch the referee’s hand as well as the whistle:

• One blast = ordinary foul → play on.

• Two blasts + arm raised = exclusion foul → 20 seconds out.

• Point to the 5 m line = penalty shot.

Once you see those patterns, the game makes perfect sense — and it’s seriously addictive to watch.

Rule Changes Ahead

Swim England will adopt the latest World Aquatics water polo rules from 1 July 2025.

While most of the game will feel familiar, updates will refine:

• Pitch sizes (some competitions moving to 25 m)

• Substitution procedures

• Shot-clock and possession timings

Bluefins parents — always check your league or season handbook for the current year’s rules.

These updates will apply to the 2025–26 season and beyond.

💙 Bluefins Parent Guide Series

Helping parents and swimmers understand every part of the sport — from lanes to leagues, and now from racing to polo!

💙 Ready to Start?

👉 Weekly trials available — just contact our Amazing Ali to book your swimmer’s place. ✨

Bluefins Water Polo Juniors — Train Hard. Think Fast. Play Together.