Parents Guide to Watching and Understanding Water Polo Water polo is an exciting game to watch.

It is fast paced and has lots of action. But understanding what is happening (and why) can take a while to learn. This guide will bring you up to speed. And if you dont understand something, dont feel bad. It happens to the coaches all the time as well. (And to the refs as well!) Chapter 1. Understanding the Whistle The referees whistle is the key to knowing what is happening. Learn what the whistles mean and youre ahead of 80% of the people watching the game. One whistle: This means that the defense fouled the offense. The offense keeps the ball. These fouls are called Minor or Ordinary fouls. Two whistles: Two whistles means that the offense either committed an ordinary foul or a rule violation. They lose the ball and the defense now goes on to the offense. The ball will be traveling in the opposite direction. Three whistles: This means that someone committed a Major Foul and will be out of the game for 20 seconds. Typically, this is a defender getting kicked out, though not always. After the referee blows the whistle, they will point in the direction the ball will be going. Chapter 2. Ordinary Fouls Ordinary fouls are the most common fouls called. Here are the common fouls that are called: Impeding a player without the ball, Pushing off a defender to pass the ball, Putting the ball underwater while being defended, Touching the ball with two hands (except the goalie), Being inside the 2 Meter Line without the ball , Throwing the ball out of bounds, Failing to shoot within 30 seconds.

After he has been fouled the player has a free throw. He has five seconds to put the ball in play either by swimming with it or passing to a teammate.

If the foul takes place outside of the Five Meter Line, then they may immediately shoot the ball. Otherwise, the ball must be touched by a teammate before they can score. The defense may not interfere with the free throw. If they do, it will be a Major foul and they will exit the game for 20 seconds. Chapter 3. Major Fouls If a player commits a major foul they are typically ejected from the game for 20 seconds. Major fouls include: Pulling back or holding an opponent, Interfering with a free throw, Kicking or striking an opponent, Talking back to the referee. Improperly entering the pool after being ejected for 20 seconds.

If the Major Foul occurs in front of the Cage and the offense had a chance of scoring, then a Five Meter Shot may be awarded. If a player has three major fouls then they are done playing for the remainder of the game. Occasionally, a player may commit an obvious attempt to hurt an opposing player. This can result in the offending player being removed from the game and the next game as well. The offending team will play a man down for four minutes and a five meter shot is awarded as well. Fortunately, this does not happen very often. Chapter 4. Judgment Calls Because much of the game takes place under water, it can be difficult for the referees to see what is happening. To make matters more difficult, they also have to decide who has the advantage of position. This typically happens in three common situations. Lets look at them in more detail I. The 2 Meter Player (or Set) is in front of the goal in position to score with the ball. The referees will tend NOT to blow the whistle because that takes the advantage of scoring away. Player A may be covered by two or more defenders. A pass comes to him and both defenders collapse on the ball. Player A is fouled but no whistle is called.

II.

This is because an ordinary foul would be penalizing good defense. A similar case happens when there is a bad pass. A bad pass is one that is thrown so that both offensive and defensive players have an equal opportunity for the ball. III. When the offense has the ball and is advancing it forward, the referees tend to call ordinary fouls frequently and for minimal contact. This is to speed up the game and give the offense more opportunities to score.

Chapter 5. The Field of Play The pool is broken up into areas that separated by cones or colored lane lines. The different areas are: 1. Goal Line: White. The ball must entirely go into the goal. 2. Two Meter Line: Red. No offensive player may be inside the two meter line without the ball. 3. Five Meter Line: Yellow. If a major foul is committed on a player who has a probable chance to score then a 5 Meter Shot is awarded. Also, if a player is fouled beyond the five meter line they may shoot the ball immediately. 4. Center Line: White. After a score, the ball is replayed from the center line. In addition, goalies may not swim beyond half. Chapter 6. Player Positions There are seven players from each team. The positions are: Goal Keeper. The goalie is the only player who may hold the ball with two hands. In addition, if the goalie puts the ball underwater while under attack from a defender a 5 meter penalty shot will be awarded. Two Meter or Set. This is usually the largest and most skilled player on the team. A corresponding position in basketball would be the center. The Two Meter position gets very physical with lots of grabbing, pushing, pulling and wrestling for position.

Perimeter or Driver. The remaining positions typically form an umbrella or semicircle around the Two Meter. These players must be quick and good shooters. Two Meter Defender. This is a specialist position that requires size, strength, wrestling skill and a desire to get physical. Chapter 7. Parenting No text on water polo or youth sports would be complete without mentioning the roll of parents. Parents are crucial to a successful experience of high school and youth sports. Parents love their kids and want the best for them. Here is how you can support them and help this experience be a great one for themand you. Time: If appropriate, make sure your child arrives to the game on time. This is typically an hour before it is schedule to start. If they are going home with you after the game, please let the coaches know. Cheering: While partisan cheering is part of every game, it can get out of hand at water polo games. Do not make derogatory comments about the opponents, the coaches, or the referees. In fact, applauding an outstanding play by an opponent is appreciated. And clapping for both teams after the game is expected. Food: Parents are expected to contribute to snacks and drinks for games and morning practices. Please take the time to introduce yourself and find out how you can help. Chapter 8. The Next Step If your son enjoys the game then you should know that there is more to it than just the high school team. To be successful, takes year round work and commitment. Here is a list of activities that are highly recommended. 1. Winter and Summer Polo. 2. High School Swim Team. 3. Training with Coach Forbes at Harker