Water polo has recently implemented changes to the rules that have gone into effect as of the beginning of 2023. Though not every level of water polo has adapted these rules, at some point in the future, players are likely to see them enforced during their games. Voted on by the FINA Technical Water Polo Congress, the new rules should help the game flow more smoothly and make for a more exciting sport to watch.
What are the newest water polo rule updates?
The latest updates to the rulebook includes changes to the 2-meter/offsides area, how penalties are called while a player is in the act of shooting, and how close nearby players can be to the shooter during a 5 meter penalty shot.
2 Meter Rule Update
Previously, a player could not cross the 2 meter line unless the ball had first crossed into the 2 meter area. In the updated rule, the 2 meter area that would constitute as offsides, changes to a boxed zone in front of the goal. In the previous iteration of the rule, the 2 meter area stretched the entire width of the pool.
Players on the wings can now enter the 2 meter area, moving closer to the goal line, without the ball and not be called offsides – which would previously result in a turnover.
This change effectively helps the offense get closer to the goal on both 6-on-6 and 6-on-5 opportunities. Wing players can now break the 2 meter line without the ball, allowing them to get into optimal position to make passes into hole set or to the post players.
Penalties Called During the Act of Shooting
Referees can now allow players the opportunity to finish their attempted shot even if they notice the defending player has committed a penalty. This new rule gives referees the option to delay whistling a penalty and rewards offensive players for attempting to finish their shot. Here’s the exact language of the rule.
Embed from Getty Images‘The referee can delay whistling a penalty, and wait to see if the attacking player scores a goal in the same action. If the player does not score, the referee should sanction the penalty. The referee may raise an arm indicating a possible penalty.’
FINA Technical Water Polo Congress
Imagine you pass the ball to your hole set, who then makes a strong move to score but is fouled by the defender in the process. Previously, the referee would have to decide in that moment to call the penalty, potentially taking away a goal if the hole set was able to finish and score. Now, the referee can allow the play to continue, waiting for the hole set to take the shot and then call a penalty based on the outcome of the situation.
With this change, offensive players should be incentivized to shoot more and finish their plays. Referees can then decide to whistle the exclusion if the offensive player misses their shot.
5 Meter Penalty Shots
Refs are cracking down on bold tactics that defensive teams attempt during 5 meter penalty shots. The new rule gives the shooting player more space during the penalty shot, stating, ‘All players shall leave the 6 meter area and shall be at least three meters from the player taking the throw.‘
Many water polo players can relate to having someone splash, kick, or smack-talk the player shooting the 5 meter penalty shot. With this rule change, these cheap tactics should no longer be a problem.
Additionally, this rule attempts to manage the goalkeepers position during a penalty shot to ensure they start directly on the goal line and aren’t cheating forward to give themselves an advantage. Referees now have the ability to call an exclusion on the goalkeeper if they fail to listen to directions to remain on the goal line prior to the penalty shot.
