Find below the newest Water Polo rule interpretations that have been implemented at the recent WPA 13&U Development Tournament in Hobart as well as the WPV-hosted East Coast Challenge in late June. These will be officially ratified by World Aquatics later this year, but WPV is using these from the start of our coming State Champs.

If you have any questions regarding these updates please speak to your coach.

WPV: 2024 State Championships 
July Referee update

Latest interpretation updates imminent from World Aquatics

Playing the ball after a free throw

1. After a free throw anywhere in the pool, a player has around 3 seconds to play the ball or pass the ball

2. If after a free throw outside 6m, the attacker decides to take a shot at goal without playing the ball, it must be an immediate shot. Any delay, or baulking will result in a Contra foul

3. Outside 6m, if the attacker does not immediately play the ball, but baulks before passing the ball, a Contra foul will be called

To counter-attack after a free throw 

1. If the ball is on the water, one counter-attack player may swim down the pool and past the ball

2. The next counter-attack player must stop and play the ball before continuing with the attacking play.

Outside 6m shot after a free: Referee directions

1. Indicate whether the 6m shot is allowed or not. One arm straight up if it is, while also signalling the free throw direction with the other arm

2. If it’s not allowed because the player was inside 6m, simply point inside with your non-directional arm while also signalling the free throw direction with the other

3. These two signals are now standard at AWL level

Head contact

1. Any head contact in any age group is an exclusion; at a minimum.