The game

A match is divided into four periods, which, depending on the age of the players, the level of competition, and the country, takes between 3 to 8 minutes per period. However, at NSWKs it is usually 2x4/5/6 minutes. The time may be stopped during the game because of an offense (indicated by the whistle of one of the two referees) and for taking the ensuing free throw. This does not happen during a NSWK however. After two periods, the teams change sides. At NSWK the teams change sides after one period or not at all. In the last period a signal indicates that there is only one minute to play left. The referees do not swim with the players, but are on the long side of the playing field, out of the water. In league games a 30-second rule is used. This means that there must be a shot taken at the goal within 30 seconds, otherwise the ball is turned over to the counterparty. The time is monitored at the scorer's table. If after a shot at goal the ball again comes into possession of the same (offensive) team, the clock is reset back to 30 seconds. The 30-second clock is usually placed on both sides of the pool and runs from 30 to 0. This rule was introduced to make the water polo game more attractive. At NSWK the 30-second rule will not be used.

30-second rule

As mentioned above, during water polo matches a 30-second rule is enforced. At NSWK’s it is not, but I added this to write down all the rules for those interested. The 30-seconde rule means that there must have been a shot made at the goal within 30 seconds, otherwise the ball is turned over to the counterparty. There are a number of events in which the 30-second clock is reset. It involves the following events: -A throw from the goalie -A corner throw (2-meter ball) -An attempt to score in the goal -Each foul: U20, U20 / S, UMV, UMV4, S / UMV (see below) -A neutral throw -When the ball is seized by the counterparty -A goal

Neutral throw When a referee sees a foul but does not know who makes the foul or when two players simultaneously committed an offense, the referee will give a neutral throw. A neutral throw is indicated by two thumbs in the air. Two players will lie side by side before the referee. The referee then throws the ball in the water before the players. It is then up to the players to be the first to win the ball, the game continues immediately. This kind of throw hardly ever happens at NSWK’s.

Corner throw

A corner throw is given when the goalkeeper touches the ball last before the ball passes the goal line. This does not apply when a defender touches the ball last, unless they deliberately push or throw the ball against the back of the swimming pool or over the goal line. In the latter case, a corner throw is given as well. A corner throw is taken on the side of the pool at the height of the 2- meter line.

Substitutes

During the match you are only allowed to make a substitute if you swim to your own corner. This is to avoid teams having advantages in an attack. After a goal or after the end of a period you are allowed to jump in the pool on your own half if you make a substitute.

Fouls

Minor offenses

Minor offenses are punished by a free throw for the opponents. A free throw can be used by a player to pass the ball to one of their teammates or swim with the ball. The free throw may be shot at the goal in one movement, if the offense was committed beyond the 6-meter-zone. If this is not the case, the ball must first be played via another teammate.

Serious offenses

Serious offenses are punished by a U20 (P). When a U20 is given by a referee, the penalized player must go to the re-entry area. The re-entry area is always located at the teams own goal line opposite to the table of the secretariat (where the scoring and time are kept). A player must remain there for 20 seconds until the referee shows a gesture that they can rejoin the play again, unless in that time the ball is recaptured by one of his teammates or the opposing teams scores a goal. When their own team recaptures the ball, the penalized player may leave the corner on a signal of the referee. When they’re not yet in the corner when the 20 seconds have passed, they must still first swim to the corner before rejoining the game. When leaving the corner, it is forbidden to push off from the edge of the pool. When a foul inside the 6-meter zone occurs with an opportunity to score, the referee awards the opposing team with a 5-meter-ball (S). The five-meter ball is similar to a penalty in football. If a player is excluded three times for 20 seconds (a U20), they may no longer participate in the game. Another player may take their place. At NSWKs however (especially in the beginners competition) U20s are hardly ever given out, certainly not 3 to the same person.

A U20 is given when: -A player interferes with a free throw, a goal throw or a corner throw -An attempt to block or play a ball with two hands/arms outside the 5-meter-area -Intentionally splash water into the face of a opponent -You hold, pull back or push down a player who is not holding the ball -Making threatening movements of beating and/or kicking -Incorrect entry or return: o Without a signal from the referee o At the wrong place (not through the re-entry area) o In the wrong way (jumping off the bottom or side)

An S (resulting in a 5 meter throw) is given when: -A violation by the defending team was made within the 6 meters, which probably prevented a goal -Water is splashed into the attacking player’s face within the 6 meters, which probably prevented a goal -Intentionally blocking a player’s shot with two hands/arms within the 6 meters -An excluded player intentionally interferes with the game

Very serious offenses

Very serious offenses are punished with a UMV or UMV4 (brutality). I hope nobody will get those since you have to like hit people or fight to get these. Depending on how bad the action is, you will be punished by Avalon and/or Stichting NSZ.