Welcome to the FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013
By Gianni Lonzi Chairman FINA TWPC
The FINA School for Water Polo referees 2009-2013 FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE
DE NATATION
MARCH 26-28, 2010 GATINEAU, CANADA
BY
GIANNI LONZI CHAIRMAIN OF FINA TWPC WELCOME TO THE FINA SCHOOL FOR WATER POLO REFEREES 2009-2013
PREFACE
This presentation, which was first developed on the occasion of the FINA World Championships 2001 held in Fukuoka, Japan, covers a wide range of matters of interest to new and existing International Water polo referees. It aims to assist and support the referees attending the Water Polo Schools organised by FINA.
Without a shadow of doubt this effort will raise the plane of refereeing to a higher level than ever reached in the past, with also the aim to have a uniform application of the rules by all Referees, something which has been sought throughout the water polo world.
This work is a result of the full collaboration, synergy and union between the TWPC and AIA who would like to encourage and develop a greater measure of professionalism and competence in all aspects of Refereeing.
FINA has organised this school for many reasons (correctness, promotion, improvement and interpretation), but principally, for these two reasons: -
This school aims at preparing the candidates as best as possible, in such a way as to be in a better position to be assessed as international Referees at FINA Events; and To promote and improve uniformity of the application of the rules.
We invite all partners of this work, Referees, Coaches and Delegates, to read this presentation carefully, and to then apply its contents solely and correctly.
Good Luck.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 1 THE ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF THE REFEREE
Those who decide to become Referees must have many qualities which are not normally possessed by all persons, but which are absolutely necessary to be a Referee.
The referee must: Have a high sense of justice Have immediate correct reactions at the right moment Enjoy a great command of play and its rules Follow the flow of play and not to direct it Only intervene when necessary Be able to decide and forget Never enter into direct discussion during the game Judge every moment of the match as “unique” and not debatable
The referee is another “participant” in the game who has been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the group during play intervening…
… only by whistle and signals, whenever players do something contrary to the rules or spirit and intent of the game or to prevent the correct development of an action.
The Referee is a person who is entrusted with the responsibility of controlling a match and therefore must conduct it by applying the rules, to the best of the Referee’s ability.
The Referee must be part of the game, fell the game, and concentrate on each action.
It is up to the Referee to intervene when an action of one or more players do not permit the correct development of play, using the principle that an action cannot be stopped without the whistle of Referee, but always remembering the “advantage rule” or when there is need to change possession.
The whistling by the Referee should not interfere with the flow of the game.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 2
WP. 7.1 The Referees shall be in absolute control of the game.
Their authority over the players shall be effective during the whole time that they and players are within the precincts of the pool.
All decisions of the Referees on questions of fact shall be final and their interpretation of the Rules shall govern throughout the game.
The Referees shall not make any presumption as to the facts of any situation during the game but shall interpret what they observe to the best of their ability.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 3
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REFEREE
The answer concerning the "Responsibilities of the Referee?" is very similar to the question what are “Essential Qualities of the Referee?" in such a way as the two matters compliment each other and define a "Referee".
The role of the water polo Referee is very important because it requires a vast experience of play and knowledge of what can in the water at a high level of play.
It is not only the application of the written rules, which are to be clearly understood, but also how possible or impossible it is to apply them when the water element is such an important indispensable factor.
The Referee:
* Must follow every single moment of the action, and the Referee’s interventions should never influence or direct the play.
* Must be a judge who could - but should never - increase or decrease the effect of an action.
* Must follow the flow of play of both teams with absolute impartiality.
* Must give the correct decision for each action in the shortest time possible to allow the play to proceed quickly according to the Rules of Water Polo.
* Should not create any animosity with the players by the Referee’s behaviour, but should limit interventions to what are strictly necessary, using the whistle and signals which are part of the repertoire of the Referee.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 4 In the evaluation and behaviour of the Referee, there should never be matches of high or low value, but all the matches must have the same value and be treated with the same commitment and determination. The referee must always respect the players and the game.
The referee who does not always apply the rules in a consistent way will make errors which could influence the final result.
It is not wise on the part of the Referee, at the end of the match, to start giving explanations about the Refereeing during particular phases of the game, because such behaviour could well generate ulterior discussions and tensions.
The Referee - like a high-speed computer - receives impressions and applies the rules of the game with the same speed.
Not all water polo matches are easy, but the Referee could with his correct decisions help to render them easy.
It is essential that the Referee have good relations with the other participants of the game. From entering into the swimming pool, the Referee’s behaviour should be unequivocal. This impartially would avoid any possibility of subjective interpretation on the part of the public, officials, or players in situations that could create ambiguous comments.
It is a good routine before the game to speak with the captains of the teams and also to the coaches, taking the opportunity to remind them of their responsibilities during the match.
From the time that the Referee officially starts controlling the players, the behaviour of the Referee must be correct, courteous and decisive. The Referee should not at any time be over-familiar with the players or team officials.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 5 The Referee must control all of the players before the start of each match according to the rules; checking that the players are not wearing transparent costumes, that the costumes are of the same colour, that they are not wearing any rings or chains round their necks or any other items that could cause accidents, and that they have no grease on their bodies.
On the platform, the Referee must remember how to move to obtain the best, clearest and unobstructed view possible to be able to make the best decisions. These could be determined by the positions of the Referee.
Whenever a Referee is called to take action, before making his decision the referee should consider all of the circumstances of the play at that moment.
For example, at the end of the action and therefore at the change of direction (possession) the same Referee should remain in a position to enable him to pay attention to the new start of action and at the same time control the bench, now in attack, and to be able to stop the play immediately if necessary, including at a timeout.
The Referee should move like a television camera, which has the advantage of always having under control all the players, and like a good director is able to evaluate with great attention every single intervention.
Now that the Referee is no longer using flags, the Referee has the advantage of using both hands for making the necessary signals in order to be able to show the players and public in the best way possible what the Referee has seen and decided.
The Referee must always be in such a position so as not to leave any player out of the field of vision in order not to lose the original action of a player, and than to incorrectly make a call based on the reaction of the opponent, rather than on the initial action.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 6 Therefore it is absolutely necessary to have always present:
THE ETHICS CODE OF THE WATER POLO REFEREE
All referees are to follow the rules below: -
Arrive at the venue where the match is to be played at least 40 minutes before the start of the match in order to procure the necessary controls and view the field of play and equipment etc.
Not show any particular familiarity with any one of the teams.
Be composed adequately and dressed appropriately.
In the dressing room, always maintain a professional and reserved attitude.
The Referee should refer to the Delegate anything observed witch is not correct in the field of play or involves security.
Observe punctuality in the schedule for controlling the teams.
Remain at the swimming pool at least for 30 minutes after the end of the game.
Abstain from making in public or giving to the television or the press any statement or comment on the match controlled.
Never speak against fellow Referees, or start any argument about their technical behaviour.
Maintain vis-a-vis the players, officials and coaches a behaviour which will develop a reciprocal civil but aloof behaviour, but always remembering that the Referee has, according to the rules, the authority to send away from the pool deck all those that have nothing to do with the control of the game and whose presence could disturb or create problems for the proper and correct conduct of the game.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 7 THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REFEREE (continued)
Before, during and after the Referee must control the field of play, in all aspects, and must ascertain that all the electronic equipment and the respective signals are operative and efficient.
The Referee must speak with his or her colleague before the match for the shake of co-operation and uniformity; this will ensure a better control by using the same system of Refereeing. The uniformity of Refereeing with his colleague is essential for the benefit of the game.
The Referee is responsible to ensure the correct outcome of the game and that the game develops in such a way so as to ensure the correct outcome; all of the interventions of the Referee should be short, precise and clear.
With his behaviour, the Referee should not behave as an actor but as a careful examiner. The interventions and independence of the Referees should give to both teams an assurance of the Referee’s knowledge of the rules, and his or her correctness and impartiality.
The Referee must always use the same correctness in relation with all present in order to expect the same behaviour from them towards the Referee.
It is clear that the Referee, even if asked by coaches or players, should never enter into discussion with them either during or immediately after the game.
The yellow and red cards were introduced in order to reduce as much as possible any sort of discussion, argument or confrontation during the matches and to avoid any misunderstandings (including owing to language difficulties).
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 8 The Referee must show firmness of authority when necessary by explaining in a most civil way that everyone has to comply with and respect the rules and the game itself.
In any eventual discussion, a Referee must never behave, or interact with any persons in a provocative manner.
According to strict FINA Rules, Referees should never smoke on the pool area.
The Referee must inform the official table immediately upon deciding on a sanction.
At the end of the game, the Referees must continue to keep under their control the whole field of play in order to have a clear picture of the situation, in the eventuality that an incident might occur, and to enable them to verify and report any incident that may occur.
The Referees, together with the Delegate/Evaluator, are required to remain at the swimming pool for 30 minutes after the game is finished, in order to be able to receive any official protests from either of the teams. In the meantime the Delegate shall speak with the Referees about their officiating of that particular game. On the part of Referees it is essential to listen attentively to the advice and comments given by the Delegates/Evaluator concerning their Refereeing and should provide any explanations necessary. The intent is to have an open and honest dialogue.
One must be always very honest with oneself and ready to be self critical, if necessary, but also acknowledge what has been done well.
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 9
THE ROLE OF REFEREE
To responsibly control and supervise the game. To apply the rules according to the spirit of the game for the safety of participants. To attend to the administrative requirements necessary for the success of the game. To promote an atmosphere of enjoyment.
The Referee has a major impact on the manner in which the game is played.
This could seem to be an silly statement, but the Referee is the person about whom it can be said, “the less seen, the better the efficiency” talking about Refereeing.
The protagonists of the game are the teams with their players and their coaches. The Referee should only control the actions and reactions according the principles which are embodied in the rules.
A good Referee enhances the game as a spectacle, adds to the enjoyment and pleasure of players and spectators and contributes to the safety of the players.
The Referee who becomes a protagonist of a match has surely lost something important in the Refereeing because the Referee should never be in that position.
During the game, the referee must correctly judge the behaviour of all participants and then can expect the same respect from them, which will not leave space for any accusation of incorrect officiating
The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 10 Listening to one player or another, or this or that coach, or to comment on Refereeing could generate confusion and inconsistency on various items.
The Referee must pay attention to whistle in a consistent manner the "ball under the water" rule. The referee should not blow the whistle unless the ball is under the water and the offensive player would take an undue advantage. If there is no advantage, the Referee should not call “ball under” and should apply the principle of “encouraging the attack”.
Also the Referee should not award a contra foul for an insignificant foul committed away from the playing area and therefore without possession of the ball.
In these cases the decision of Referee could create a big advantage in comparison to the reality of the insignificance of the foul.
A Referee's commitment to the sport is more likely to be long term if the individual involved has a personal interest and enjoys being associated with water polo.
A Referee must possess the qualities necessary to handle the stresses associated with Refereeing. If Refereeing causes anxiety, the possibility of officiating errors is increased. In some cases, the personal goals of the Referee may be in conflict with the goals of the participants and at all times, the Referee must remember to remain impartial.
All officials must have a feel for the group they are working with to ensure the development of acceptable interactions with the group.
In conclusion a Referee must be the best image of what we would like to represent and if, while acting as a Referee, he or she does not respect these conditions, the person will surely not render a good service to the sport.
BEHAVIOUR AND APPEARANCE ARE CRUCIAL. BEHAVIOUR SHOULD BE COURTEOUS AND RESPECTFUL. DRESS SHOULD BE APPROPRIATE.
______The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 11 A Referee must desire to be an effective Referee.
You must desire to serve the sport, with a dedicated sense of purpose.
A bad example is when a Referee is present at a match as a spectator (or even as a supporter) and starts to openly criticise the Refereeing of the other Referees - his or her colleagues - and absolutely puts them in a bad light.
ATTENTION
During the game:
A major part of the Referee's role is to penalise contraventions of the rules.
Take care to use actions that cannot be interpreted as criticism of a player; rather use an appropriate hand signal.
When communicating a decision the two key elements to include are:
Clear, precise whistle and hand signals;
And
Immediately indicate which team has been awarded the free throw, corner throw, goal throw or penalty.
* Use clear and correct hand signals when communicating with players.
* Avoid verbal communication wherever possible. This portrays composure.
* Referees, who are composed, cool but firm, are more likely to win the confidence of the players.
* Don’t show indecision and try to avoid “late calls” The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 12
THE REFEREES’ APPLICATION OF FINA WATER POLO RULES
Officials who fail to properly supervise a sporting event under their control, or who fail to enforce the rules of the game, can potentially be held legally responsible for injuries suffered by players participating in the event.
Negligence is the failure to show reasonable care and occurs when harm results from an unacceptable degree of carelessness.
A Referee has a responsibility to ensure that the environment in which the game is played is kept safe and is expected to do everything reasonably possible to ensure players' safety.
Players “consent” to a degree of physical contact within the "ordinary course" of a match. They do not, however, consent to intentional physical "assaults" in breach of the rules or the safety codes of the sport, or due to carelessness or negligence by the officials.
The younger the players, the greater the responsibility for safety on the part of the Referee.
The following are duties that the Referees owe to the players under their control:
* To enforce the rules of the game; control and supervise the game.
* Not to allow illegal or dangerous plays or tactics.
* To remove participants who persistently breach the rules. The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 13
The following are duties that the Referees owe to the players under their control:
* To protect the participants; to ensure the facilities are safe, and to stop a match should crowd violence threaten player safety.
* To ensure that equipment used is safe
* To prevent a heavy game
The following are duties that the Referees owe to the players under their control:
* To enforce safety guidelines re: blood and infectious diseases policies
* To stop a match if conditions become hazardous.
The risk of injury is common in most sports, and accidents do occur where no one will be held legally responsible. It is impossible to eliminate all the risks involved in sporting activity, short of cancelling the sport altogether.
However, a number of sporting injuries are preventable by taking reasonable measures to ensure a safe sporting environment, and a failure to take these reasonable steps means that the Referee can be found liable for negligently failing to prevent the injury.
The duty that is placed on sports officials is to do what is reasonable in the circumstances. Taking the necessary initiatives and implementing safe practices, as listed above, will provide a safe environment for all. The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 14
THE ADVANTAGE & IMPORTANCE IN ATTACK
It is a decisive fact in the concept of play to give the advantage to an action as far as this is developed respecting the rule.
The Referee who follows an action of play at every instant must evaluate what contributes to the correct development of the action and interfere only when his intervention may positively help the continuation of the action unless it is already against the rules or the fouls of the defensive player have stopped the creative action.
With this concept, the Referee should not whistle those ordinary fouls, which are committed on attacking players who are not in the action and are not in possession of the ball. Blowing the whistle on this occasion does not usually give an advantage to the attacking team.
All these fouls, if awarded to the attacking team, could lead to the losing of the advantage and therefore will actually become a disadvantage to the team. At the same time, immediate intervention by the Referee when the player has received an ordinary foul could maintain the advantage obtained. It is very important that each Referee is generally aware of the action in the entire field of play, as this is essential in order to recognize an advantage situation.
The concept of "The Advantage & Importance in Attack" is that the Referees must enable the attacking action to continue in the best manner. They should only intervene when the team loses the ball (or the possibility to play the ball) because of a foul. The rules are clear in their concept - the Referees are responsible for encouraging positive play.
In conclusion, it is essential for the Referees to understand the importance of this concept. The aim of the game and of its rules is to develop positive attacking action, interesting to the players and the public. The correct application of this concept by the Referees will make a positive contribution to the game. With the actual rules the referees must remember always three concepts, to control the provocation, the reactions and the simulations The FINA School for Water Polo Referees 2009-2013 15
THE ORDINARY FOULS OF THE GAME
It is an ordinary foul to commit any of the following offences.
The punishment is a free throw to the opposing team.
* To advance beyond the goal line at the start of a period, before the Referee has given the signal to start.
* To assist a player at the start of a period or at any other time during the game.
* To hold on to or push off from the goal posts or their fixtures, or the sides or ends of the pool, or to hold on to the rails except at the start of a period.
* To take any active part in the game when standing on the floor of the pool, to walk when play is in progress or to jump from the floor of the pool to play the ball or tackle an opponent. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper while he is in his five (5) metres area.
* To take or hold the ball entirely under the water when tackled.
* To strike at the ball with a clenched fist. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper while he is in his five (5) metres area.
* To play or touch the ball with two hands at the same time. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper while he is in his five (5) metres area.
* To impede or otherwise prevent the free movement of an opponent who is not holding the ball. FINA Water Palo School for Referees 15
* To push or push off from an opponent who is not holding the ball.
* For a player of the team in possession of the ball to impede, push or push off from an opponent before a free throw, goal throw or comer throw is taken.
* To be within two metres of the opponents' goal line except when behind the line of the ball.
* To take a penalty throw other than in the prescribed manner.
* To shoot directly at goal from any free throw or restart from which the Rules do not permit a goal to be scored,
* To delay unduly when taking a free throw, goal throw or corner throw.
* For a goalkeeper to go or to touch the ball beyond the half distance line.
* To send the ball out of the side of the field of play.
* For a team to retain possession of the ball for more than 30 seconds of actual play without shooting at their opponents' goal.
* To waste time.
* For a player of the team in possession of the ball to commit an exclusion foul before a free throw, goal throw, corner throw or a penalty throw is taking. If the offence is committed before the taking of a penalty throw, the penalty throw is maintained. ATTENTION
No ordinary foul is to be called if this foul is not effective the game. The Referee must control the situation and if this foul is not influent the game the Referee must ignore this. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 16
THE EXCLUSION FOULS OF THE GAME
It is an exclusion foul to commit any of following offences.
The punishment is a free throw to the opposing team and the exclusion of the player who committed the foul.
* To leave the water or sit or stand on the steps or side of the pool during play, except in the case of incident, injury, and illness or with a Referee's permission.
* To interfere with the taking of a free throw, goal throw or corner throw.
* To splash in the face of an opponent intentionally.
* To hold, sink or pull back an opponent who is not holding the ball.
* To kick or strike an opponent intentionally or make disproportionate movements in an attempt to do so.
* For the defending goalkeeper to fail to take up his correct position on the goal line at the taking of a penalty throw having been ordered once to do so by the Referee.
* For an excluded player or substitute to enter the field of play improperly.
* For a player of the team not in possession of the ball to commit any of the following offences before a free throw, goal throw, corner throw, penalty throw or neutral throw is taken: * to impede an opponent * to push or push off from an opponent * to commit an exclusion foul
The original throw shall be maintained. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 17
* For a player of each team to commit any of the following offences at exactly the same moment before a free throw, goal throw, corner throw, penalty throw or neutral throw is taken: * to impede an opponent * to push or push off from an opponent * to commit an exclusion foul
Both players are excluded and a neutral throw awarded except that if the offences are committed before the taking of a penalty throw, the throw is maintained.
* To interfere with the taking of a penalty throw. The offending player is excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution.
* To commit an act of misconduct. The offending player is excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution.
* To disobey or show disrespect for a Referee or official. The offending player is excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution.
* To commit an act of brutality. The player is excluded from the remainder of the game. The referee will gave a penalty and a substitute player will enter after four (4) minutes.
The excluded player goes to the re-entry area nearest to that player’s own goal line without leaving the water. After visibly rising to the surface of the water within the re- entry area, the excluded player or a substitute may enter the field of play from the re- entry area upon receiving a signal from the secretary or a Referee:
After 20 seconds of actual play. The secretary signals entry by raising the appropriate flag. FJNA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 18
* When the exclude player’s team has been retaken control of the ball during actual play. The defensive Referee signals re-entry by a hand signal indicating direction of play.
* When the excluded player’s team has been awarded a free throw or a goal throw, the Referee’s signal to award the throw and indicating the direction of play qualifies as the re-entry signal.
After a goal is scored, an excluded player or substitute may enter from any place.
ATTENTION ( it is important to stress)
If a player is under the water when the Referee awards a free throw and may not have heard the whistle, the Referee shall immediately repeat the whistle when the player has resurfaced.
In the case of splashing, it is the position of the attacking player which determines whether a penalty throw or exclusion is awarded: If the attacking player is inside the five (5) metre area and a probable goal is prevented by the defender splashing, it is a penalty whether or not the defending player is inside or outside the five (5) metre area. In all other cases, the correct decision is exclusion.
The exclusion foul rules, especially, HOLDING, SINKING or PULLING BACK and STRIKING are to be applied equally to the defending and attacking players whenever these happen anywhere in the entire field of play.
Referees are reminded to pay special attention whenever there is a counter attack after a shot at goal is either saved or sent out for a goal throw. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 19
When the ball is in flight, directed towards an attacking player, sinking committed by the defender must be punished by exclusion. If the attacking player loses the ball, or loses the opportunity to receive the ball, because of an ordinary foul by the defending player, the Referee shall award a free throw.
Contact between opposing players is permitted.
To compete for the ball is permitted.
The Referees should allow opposing players to jostle, or compete, for position and should only intervene to penalise a foul committed by a player of the team in possession of the ball (contra-foul), or to award an exclusion foul against either team.
When an attacking player tries to swim in any horizontal position towards the opposing goal and that action is blocked by a lateral movement from the defender, this should be considered as HOLDING and an exclusion foul is to be called. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 20
WHEN TO AWARD A PENALTY FOUL
It is a penalty foul to commit any of the following offences.
The punishment is a penalty throw to the opposing team.
* For a defending player to commit any foul in the five (5) metre area which prevents a goal being scored.
* For a defending player within that player’s five (5) metre area to kick or strike an opponent or to commit an act of brutality. The player is also excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution, in case of brutality the substitution will be after 4 minutes.
* For an excluded player to interfere with play intentionally.
* For an excluded player or substitute to enter the field of play improperly to prevent a goal being scored.
* For an excluded player or substitute to enter the field of play improperly during the last minute of the game or the last minute of the second period of any extra time. The player is also excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution.
* For a player or substitute who is not entitled to take part in the play at that time to enter the field of play. The player is also excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution, where appropriate.
* For a goalkeeper or any other defending player to pull over the goal completely to prevent a goal being scored. He is also excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution.
* For the coach of the team not in possession of the ball to request a timeout, or for any team official to take any action to prevent a goal being scored. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 21
ATTENTION
If there is any doubt in the mind of the Referee as to whether to award a penalty throw or an exclusion, the Referee shall award the exclusion.
A penalty throw must always be awarded when a foul committed by a defending player inside the five (5) metre area prevents a probable goal, and in the other situations described in WP 22.2 to WP22.9.
However, the Referee should not award a penalty throw:-
* When the attacking player has his or her back to the goal,
* When the ball is legitimately intercepted by a defending player or when a bad pass is made (including the ball being too high). In these situations, the Referee shall not make any award in favour of the attacking player even if the player has been fouled.
* When the attacking player is not in a position to score a probable goal.
If the attacking player, holding the ball, turns the defending player in front of the goal, no offence has been committed.
If the attacking player releases the ball and the defending player immediately then releases the attacking player, there is still no offence.
However, if the attacking player makes an attempt to regain the ball and is prevented from doing so by a foul committed by the defending player, then a penalty throw is awarded. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 22
METHOD OF TAKING A PENALTY THROW
A penalty throw is taken from the opponents' five (5) metre line by any player of the team to which it is awarded, except the goalkeeper.
All players must leave the five (5) metre area and be at least two metres from the player taking the throw. One player of the defending team has the first right to take position on each side of the player taking the throw. The defending goalkeeper must be between the goal posts with no part of the goalkeeper’s body beyond the goal line at water level.
When the Referee controlling the taking of the throw is satisfied that the player taking the throw has possession, the Referee signals for it to be taken by whistle and by simultaneously lowering his arm from a vertical to a horizontal position.
On the Referee's signal, the player taking the throw must throw the ball with an uninterrupted movement directly at the goal.
If at exactly the same moment as the Referee awards a penalty throw the timekeeper whistles for the end of period, all players except the player taking the throw and the defending goalkeeper leave the water before the throw is taken. The ball is immediately dead if it rebounds into play from the goal post, crossbar or the goalkeeper. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 23
METHOD OF TAKING A FREE THROW
A free throw is taken at the place where the foul occurred except:
* If the ball is behind the place of the foul, the throw is taken from the position of the ball.
* If the foul is committed by a defending player in his 2 metre area, the throw is taken on the 2 metre line opposite to where the foul was committed. If the ball is outside the 2 metre area, the throw is taken from the position of the ball.
* The throw is to be taken in such a way that the other players can see the ball leaving the hand of the player taking the throw. The ball is in play immediately upon leaving the hand of the thrower. The thrower is permitted to carry or dribble the ball before passing it to another player.
* The throw is to be taken without undue delay.
* A throw taken from the wrong position is retaken. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 24
WHAT IS A CORNER THROW?
A corner throw:
* Is awarded when the entire ball passes completely over the goal line, excluding between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar, having last been touched or touched by the goalkeeper of the defending team or when a defending player deliberately sends the ball over the goal line.
Comment:
If one Referee calls corner and other calls goal throw a corner throw shall be awarded. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 25
CALLING OF TIME OUT & RESTART
Each team is entitled to three timeouts in any game. The third timeout may only be requested during extra time. (If a team does not request one or both of its timeouts during normal play, the team will be entitled to request these timeouts during any extra time.) The duration of the timeout shall be one minute.
A timeout may be requested at any time by the coach of the team in possession of the ball calling "timeout" and signalling to the secretary or Referee with the hands forming a T-shape. If a timeout is requested, the secretary or Referee shall immediately stop the game by whistle.
If the coach has been excluded from the game, the other team official may request a timeout. If all of the team officials have been excluded from the team bench, the team captain may request a timeout. If the team captain has been excluded from the game, any other player may request a timeout, as this is a right of the team.
Play shall be restarted on the whistle of the Referee by the team in possession of the ball putting the ball into play on the half distance line, except:
If the timeout is requested before the taking of a penalty throw or corner throw, that throw shall be maintained;
If the timeout is requested after a goal has been scored, the Referees shall whistle two times and will give the permeation for timeout. After one minute the game will restart with the timeout rule.
[Note - The possession clock continues from the re-commencement of the play after the timeout.] FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 26
If the coach of the team in possession of the ball requests additional timeout to which the team is not entitled, the game shall be stopped and play shall then be restarted by a player of the opposing team putting the ball into play on the half distance line.
If the coach of the team not in possession of the ball requests a timeout, the game shall be stopped and a penalty throw awarded to the opposing team.
At the restart following a timeout, players may take any position in the field of play, subject to the Rules relating to the taking of penalty throws and corner throws.
If a timeout is called, the players shall return immediately to their respective halves of the field of play.
Note: If a player does not return to his half of the field of play, the Referees shall give a warning to such player. If after a second warning the player does not take the correct position, the Referees shall exclude the player, with substitution, in accordance with WP 21.11 (Disrespect). However, in this timeout situation, the excluded player's team shall be permitted to restart the game with seven players.
The timekeeper whistles after 45 seconds of the timeout period. On this whistle, the players may take up any position within the field of play.
After the expiration of 1 minute, the timekeeper again whistles to signal the end of the timeout period. The Referee will then throw the ball to the half distance line or behind of the half distance and a player of the team in possession shall re-start the play. If the timeout was called at a penalty throw or corner throw, the play shall be re-started in the appropriate manner. The Referees shall ensure that the teams re- start after a timeout with the correct number of players. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 27
METHOD OF SCORING (WP 14)
14.1 The entire ball has to pass fully over goal line.
14.2 A goal can be scored from anywhere within the field of play (but the goalkeeper may not go or touch the ball beyond the half distance line).
14.3 A goal can be scored by any part of the body except the clenched fist, including by dribbling the ball into the goal. At the start or any restart of the game, at least two players (of either team, but excluding the defending goalkeeper) must intentionally play or touch the ball, except at the taking of:
* A penalty throw, * A free throw thrown by a player into his own goal, * An immediate shot from a goal throw, or an immediate shot from a free throw awarded outside five (5) metres.
If at the expiration of 30 seconds possession or at the end of a period, the ball is in flight and enters the goal, it is a valid goal.
A GOAL MAY NOT BE SCORED
Direct from the restart following:
* A timeout * A goal * An injury, including bleeding * The replacement of a cap * The Referee calling for the ball * The ball leaving the side of field of play * Any other delay. FINA Water Polo School for Referees 2008 28