Bristolian rules for beginners: (Full Version: http://www.canoepolo.org.uk/rules )

5 Players in the playing area at one time. A player is IN POSSESSION of the ball if touching it or it is within arm’s reach on the water.

Start: Start with backs of on the goal line or wall. START On the whistle one player sprints to the ball thrown by INFRINGEMENT the referee to the middle; another team-mate may not be within 3m. (starting B4 whistle, or too many people) Referee: IS ALWAYS RIGHT. Arm signifies direction of play of the team awarded the foul. (1) Finger = free shot (direct). (2) Open palm = free throw (indirect). PRESENTING THE BALL – Present ball at arm’s length overhead – Do this at any restart of play after whistle. Do not have to do all the time, but better to do so as not to get caught out!

Out of play: (all indirect) SIDE LINE Side line – must be taken at position indicated, parallel to the side. Goal line – Goal line throw – taken from position touching the goal line. Corner throw – can be taken either side. You must be parallel to CORNER/ side line in the corner. GOAL LINE

Fouls: DO NOT do anything dangerous e.g. throwing . DO NOT another player or their equipment with your paddle or body. DO NOT paddle with ball resting on . FREE THROW: FREE SHOT: PENALTY SHOT: Indirect Direct All others to centre. Shot taken from 6m line. For: Fouled player in act of shooting in 6m area.

PADDLE FOUL: are not allowed to be placed within arm’s reach of another player in possession of the ball, nor used to lean on boat for support. If used to reach across boat, there must be no contact. ILLEGAL POSSESSION: 5 second maximum possession – This applies to free throws/shots also!!! To restart clock, ball must travel 1m horizontally. Can pass to another player or self (). ILLEGAL TACKLE: – Boat tackles are used to disrupt a player’s ability to play the ball/gain possession. The tackled player must be in possession or within 3m trying to gain possession of the ball. Tackling opponents boats at right angles, and boat body contact are illegal. Hand – Allowed if player is in possession (see above). Open one handed push to upper arm, side or back. Not onto side of pool or other boat! or Knock ball out of hand, if only ball and not player are touched. ILLEGAL SCREENING: (obstruction) Players are allowed to paddle unimpeded towards the ball or goal as long as they are not within 3m of the ball and outside the 6m area in front of the goal. You must not obstruct someone’s path, unless you have set up position (static screen). Within the 6m area in front of goal, jostling for position is allowed. GOAL KEEPER: Can be anyone – Defined as the defending player most directly under the goal. You must not come in contact with, or push someone onto, the . It is a foul if they are “moved or unbalanced’. However, you must actively try to avoid being pushed onto the goalie. You must not stop the keeper taking up position under the goal. Once keeper is in possession of the ball they become an attacking player and so can be tackled.

GOAL: GOAL: DISALLOWED: Ball must pass completely through goal frame. After a goal is scored: Return to own half. Conceding team presents ball in centre. Whistle is blown and play restarts.

HALF TIME / FULL TIME: Change ends / end of play. Restart same as start.

SUBSTITUIONS: Up to 3 substitutes allowed. Subs must sit behind goal line, but not behind the goal. Unlimited rolling substitutions can take place at any point during play. Leaving player and all equipment must completely cross the goal line before new player enters.

SWIMMERS: Time out may be called if it is unsafe to continue (normally not). Leave playing area immediately. Can be subbed at next break in play once all equipment is off the pitch. Can be subbed anytime once all equipment behind goal line. Self re-entry can only occur from behind the goal line.

Other Ref signals: ADVANTAGE: If calling foul would disadvantage team in possession, then play on. Ref will shout play on and signal by waving arm. If whistle is blown advantage cannot occur.

REFEREE’S BALL: Neither team at fault. Restart: One player each team touching sideline, 1m apart, paddles alongside, hands on decks, ball thrown between two players, not in play until touches the water, then normal play resumes.

CARDS: Shown after a time out signal. Someone has been naughty!!

GREEN CARD YELLOW CARD RED CARD WARNING 2 Minutes off Sent off for game Unsportsmanlike 3rd Green Card 2nd Yellow Card Hindering rolling Dangerous play Professional foul Language Insulting/Disputing the ref Personal attack Bouncing ball off boat Preventing rolling Illegal substitution TIME OUT: Called if there is an unreasonable delay e.g. equipment problem/ injury. Also for a ref’s ball, penalty shot or cards. Play restarts on whistle.