NFHS Water Polo Rules Changes 2012-13

1-1: The game clock, shot clocks and score must be equally visible to both teams and score table personnel.

Rationale:  The game time, the possession time, and the score must be visible to both teams, the scorekeeper, and the referees. The use of only whole numbers on the shot clocks makes it easier for all personnel to read the display accurately. This is not an additional cost as shot clocks have a setting for a display of whole numbers, the most common display used.

1-3: Deleted as duplicate of another rule located elsewhere in Rule 6.

Rationale:  The location of a single referee, when necessary due to extenuating circumstances, is located elsewhere.

4-1-1, 4-1-2, 4-1-5: Specifies what items may be placed on middle panel of caps and that by July 1, 2015, only school information can be placed on caps.

Rationale: The desire for use of multiple designs on the center panel of the caps is rapidly increasing.  Clarifies what may appear on middle panel.  Logos or other designs shall not be allowed on the side panels in order to ensure the visibility of the cap numbers. Compliance required by July 1, 2015.

4-4: Changes the implementation date to July 1, 2015 for the required numbering on the middle portion of the caps.

Rationale: Due to the additional cost and overall impact on the game, the implementation date of the numbering requirement should be altered to 2015.  It still remains a current option for additional cap numbers to be located in the middle portion of the caps.

6-1, 6-2: Clarifies the game is officiated by two referees, except in extenuating circumstances when the use of one referee is permitted.

Rationale: Clarifies that the game is officiated by two referees except one referee may be used due to extenuating circumstances.

7-4-4: A yellow card may be shown during play but not administered until the next stoppage in play.

Rationale: This permits the referee to show the yellow card but the referee does not stop play until there is no advantage to the non-offending team.

7-4-5 New Note: When a red card is issued, it shall be displayed at a normal stoppage of play to administer the penalty.

Rationale: Clarifies that the referee does not show the card until play is stopped to administer the card.

7-9: Specifies the time frame in which a correctable error can be addressed when the error is not detected until after the game.

Rationale: Clarifies the prescribed time limit for correctable errors detected after the conclusion of the game.

7-9 New m.: Establishes clear procedure for handling a goal scored when the timer did not cancel remainder of time-out when teams resume play early and there is a goal made.

Rationale: A goal shall not ordinarily be removed because of a clock error, provided that the referees rule that the goal would have counted if the game timer had not made this error.

7-10 New Note 3: Clarifies the procedure the referee shall follow when addressing a protest.

Rationale: Requiring the decision of the referee to be in writing, citing the rule, will prevent misunderstanding between the referees and coach as to the reason for denial of a protest.

11-5-1 New Note 2: Penalty shoot-out is not a tie-breaking procedure for tournament games.

Rationale:  Clarifies a penalty shoot-out is not an option for breaking a tie in a tournament.

11-5-2, 7-10: Specifies the procedure to follow when handling a protest that cannot be resolved by the referees.

Rationale: Clarifies recommended procedure for dealing with protests if not settled by the game referees.

12-6: When a time-out is called improperly due to neither team having possession, the team in error shall have its longest remaining time-out removed.

Rationale: The current penalty in the rules for this offense is turning the ball over. Increasing the penalty for this action by removing a time-out more appropriately addresses severity of violation.

13-1-Note 2: Teams shall not change ends and benches unless requested prior to the start of the game.

Rationale: Clarifies that all requests for ends and for change in ends each period must be made before the start of the game.

19-1 New c.: To enhance the flow of the game, the free throw for an offensive foul is taken at the location of the ball when the foul is awarded.

Rationale: This addition to the rules speeds up play as the player no longer has to pass the ball back to the site of the offensive foul if the foul is committed, for example, near the goal and the ball is far outside this point.

20-16: Outlines officials’ responsibilities near end of period or game when there is a high throw toward opponent’s goal.

Rationale: Clarifies the referee’s and shot clock operator’s responsibilities when a player throws the ball high in the air toward opponent’s goal near the end of a period of end of game.

21-10-2: Clarifies handling of penalty of misconduct during interval time.

Rationale: With this change, the action of the first player does not affect the punishment of the second player on either team who commits the same act during interval time.

22-8: Defense cannot call a time-out prior to penalty shot.

Rationale: Clarifies that the defense cannot call a time-out prior to a penalty shot at any time.

25-2, 25-3: Establishes time limit for a player to be treated when bleeding and when the player may return to play.

Rationale: This would allow two minutes for recovery of an injured player for bleeding to stop and be treated, as well as permit the original player to continue play at the end of the time-out.

2012-13 Water Polo Major Editorial Changes

Note prior to 1, 1-1, 3-5, 4-1-3, 5-2, 7-1-1, 7-10-3, 19-4 New Interpretation

2012-13 Water Polo Points of Emphasis

1.    Calling the Center Position

2.    Calling the Perimeter

3.    Calling the Transition

4.    Putting the Ball Into Play

5.    Direct Shot on Goal

6.    Control of the Benches and Players in the Water