Water Polo Points of Emphasis - 2026-28

Goalkeeper Play
A goalkeeper who leaves the goal area and commits a foul, should not be considered an automatic penalty foul solely by virtue of leaving the cage. Goalkeepers may commit ordinary fouls and exclusion fouls similar to other field players. A penalty foul shall be awarded only when the foul denies a probable goal-scoring opportunity. If one or more defenders are positioned between the attacker and the goal, or in the direct path to the goal, or if the attacker is at a poor shooting angle or otherwise not in a clear scoring position, the situation does not constitute a probable goal. In such cases, the referee shall award an ordinary or exclusion foul, as appropriate to the nature of the foul.

Free Throws
There is a misconception that a player who is clearly in a position most readily to take a free throw may simply swim away from the ball at any time, allowing the next closest player to take the free throw. This is incorrect. Rule 5-11 states that during a counterattack, a player who has a position of advantage is not required to give up that advantage and take the free throw. However, if there is no counter attacker and the closest player does not have a position of advantage, that player must take the free throw. Failure to do so is an offensive foul.

Simulation
Simulation is a foul. A player may not fake being fouled in order to influence the call of the referee. Referees must not reward simulation by calling a foul that did not occur. When simulation is committed by an offensive player, it is an offensive foul. When committed by a defensive player, it is an exclusionary foul. A common example of simulation occurs when a perimeter attacker intentionally drops the ball, throws the head or body into a defender, and slaps the water while the defender is clearly demonstrating two hands up and no illegal contact.  

Identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls  
The NFHS Authenticating Mark ensures easy identification of inflated and non-inflated balls used in interscholastic competition for which the NFHS writes playing rules. All such balls are required to display the NFHS Authenticating Mark.

The use of conforming equipment is essential to the integrity of contests played under the NFHS rules. This mark helps to promote a level playing field by ensuring consistency in the equipment being used. The mark allows for the development of more sophisticated standards in balls and clearly communicates to administrators, coaches, and officials that these standards are being met.

Non-compliance with these requirements will be reported to the state association for potential penalties, following the contest. Administrators and coaches play a pivotal role in making sure all inflated and non-inflated balls meet these specifications. They must instill the importance of proper equipment use through consistent reinforcement during the pre-competition certification meeting and throughout the season. Game officials must also remain vigilant and report any non-compliant balls to the state association office.

Misconduct
A player receiving a second minor act of misconduct will be excluded for the remainder of the game for misconduct. This addition clarifies that, if the player receives a second MAM in a game, the referee will signal a double-handed rolling for misconduct. MAM/Misconduct should be recorded in the game book. State association procedure determines reportability and subsequent suspension for player misconduct.