Players' Corner
Burnaby Water Polo Club
Be the best you can be
Water Polo Rules 101
Each team has 6 players plus a goalie in the water. Only the goalie may touch the ball with both hands. This is a co-ed sport: you must have a minimum of three boys/girls in the water at all times.
A lot of action takes place underwater. At the start of each quarter, the teams line up at opposite ends of the pool, and a "swim-off" for the ball takes place.
Players move the ball by passing (a one hand throw), or swimming with the ball. The team has 30 seconds to shoot the ball or lose possession.
Many fouls occur as the opposing team tries to win the ball. The player loses possession by:
- standing on the bottom with the ball;
- touching it with both hand; or
- holding the ball underwater.
It is illegal to impede an opponent unless he or she is holding the ball.
Time: Usually 4 seven-minute quarters with 2 minute intervals.
To score a goal, the ball must pass fully over the goal line.