Water Polo Comments on the Rules - 2026-28

2-1-1, 7-3-5 - This change allows for substitution of the goalkeeper with a 7th field player, because a goalkeeper is not required after the game begins. This rule saves time and the unnecessary hassle of changing caps. A seventh field player shall not be granted goalkeeper privileges. If a player attempts to block a shot or play the ball using both hands, the appropriate penalty shall be imposed based on the player's position and/or whether the action prevented a probable goal. Cap switches between field players and goalkeepers are still allowed.

4-7-1, 4-13 - Allows either the offense and/or defense to call a 30-second time-out after a goal is scored. 

4-22-1 - With this rule change, when the ball is located outside of 6 meters, it will no longer matter where the foul is located to be able to shoot directly and score. For example, a foul is called away from the ball on a player defending at the one position, if the player in possession of the ball is outside of 6 meters, that player is eligible to take a direct shot. This change promotes offense. Prior to this change, both the foul and the ball needed to be outside of 6 meters; now only the ball needs to be outside of 6 meters (while the foul can take place inside of 6 meters).
NOTE: Only the first whistle of the exclusion is required before the player outside the 6-meter line may shoot. Additional whistles do not need to be completed before the shot is taken and scored.

4-22-2 - This rule change goes hand in hand with the proposed rule change for 4-22-1. If a player with the ball inside of 6 meters is awarded a free throw, the player may put the ball in play, move outside of 6 meters and is eligible to score from anywhere in the field. As long as the ball and player move outside of 6 meters, a goal can be scored. Prior to this rule change, if the player with the ball was fouled inside of 6 meters, the ball needed to be passed in order for a goal to be scored. This rule change allows the player to put the ball into play, move outside of 6 meters, and score from anywhere in the field. Referees may raise an arm up vertically to indicate the player has left the 6-meter area, but it is not required.

6-10-1, 6-10-2 - This addition of language aligns with how the game is currently officiated. The rule allows the center forward to face the defender and let go in an attempt to play the ball while it is in the air, as long as there is no push off or sink of the defender. 

7-3-1c NOTES - These notes are necessary to establish a clear, consistent, and practical definition of control of the ball, a concept that underpins numerous judgments in water polo, including fouls, advantage, exclusion decisions, and goalkeeper privileges. 

7-8 - The rule clarified that it is an exclusion foul to use two hands to hold a player who is “not holding the ball.”

7-17 - Currently, there is no penalty if the goalie jumps off the line and blocks a shot; the penalty throw is simply retaken. Adding a consequence to this rule violation (exclusionary foul) acts as a deterrent. If the goalie moves forward before the whistle is blown and the goal scores, the goal counts and no foul is recorded against the goalkeeper.

8-2 NOTES - This guidance is needed to establish consistent criteria for determining probable goals when an offensive player has the ball inside of 6-meters in situations not otherwise covered by Rule 8.

9-2 - The rules should facilitate a penalty throw that is free of interference as the team shooting has already been disadvantaged. Having the defenders on the 6-meter line and 3 meters away solves this issue. Defenders are allowed to swim toward the cage when the whistle is blown.