CO-ED Inner Tube Water Polo Rules
Team Information
1. Teams consist of 6 players (including the goalie), 3 male and 3 female. A team must
have 5 players to start a game (at least 2 of each sex).
2. A roster may include unlimited number of players but must have a minimum of 3 males
and 3 females.
3. All players must bring their student ID’s in order to play.
Game Times and Length
1. Number of halves or quarters and length of each will be determined by the number of
entries and dates of play.
2. Each team will receive 1 one minute time out per half.
3. Mercy rule: If a team has a lead of 15pts w/2 minutes remaining, the game will be called.
4. Overtime: There will be a sudden-death playoff, 1st to score wins.
Method of Play
1. To start the game, each team is lined up on opposite ends of the pool, touching the wall.
The ball is dropped in the center of the pool and teams race to gain possession.
2. Players must be SITTING in their inner tubes. Players not sitting in their inner tubes
must return to the sitting position before participating in any way. Illegal participation
will result in a violation and a throw-in for the opposing team. Goalies are the only
exception to this rule. Some part of their body must be thru the inner tube at all times.
3. Player with possession of the ball has 10 seconds to attempt a score or to pass to a
teammate. Failure to do so is a delay and a turnover to opponent.
4. A defender may attempt to knock away the ball from the offensive player, but with
limited contact only. If excessive contact is ruled by the referee, the offensive player will
be awarded a throw-in.
5. A defender is allowed to flip the offensive player who has possession of the ball. (Male
cannot flip a female) If the offensive player still has the ball after being flipped, the ball
is turned over to the defender. Only the person with possession of the ball can be flipped.
6. No player is allowed* in the 3 meter area. This area is marked by cones on each side of
the pool. If a defender blocks an attempted shot by the offense while in the 3 meter area,
it will result in a penalty shot by the offense.(*exception. A player may enter the 3
meter area to retrieve a loose ball. On offense, the ball must be brought back out of the 3
meter area before being played on goal. On defense, the ball must be returned to the
goalie before being advanced down the pool.
7. After a score the goalie must wait for the referee to blow his whistle to put the ball into
play. During this time the referee will call for subs. If no one is available or ready, he
will whistle for play to begin. The goalie cannot at any time throw the ball past the
midline of the pool.
8. No Dunking of any player at any time.
9. Substitutions are allowed after a score and during a time-out. Substitutes must enter the
pool from the end they are defending.
Scoring
1. One point will be scored for each goal by a male player or two points if the shot was
taken from beyond the 7meter lines. Two points will be awarded for each goal by a
female player and three points behind the 7 meter line.
2. Penalty points are the same value.
Violations/Infractions
1. You cannot hold on to your opponent’s tube or any part of his/her swim suit, legs, and
arms feet to impede progress.(Foul…result is a throw in)
2. No intentional splashing of water at your opponent(Foul…result is a throw in)
3. No ball punching in an effort to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s grip, or to advance
a ball.(Foul…result is a throw in)
4. No player can deliberately hold a ball under the surface of the water.(Foul…result is a
throw in)
Definitions
1. After a missed shot on a goal (no defensive player touch) goes out of bounds: goalie’s
throw in.
2. After a missed shot on a goal (touched by a defensive player): ball is put in play with a
throw-in by an offensive player at the sideline of the 3meter line nearest to where the ball
went out.
3. Throw in: Ball put into play by an offensive player that must be touch by another
offensive player before any attempt can be made at a goal. Defender cannot defend the
throw in.
4. Penalty Shot: Player taking the shot must line up on the edge of the 3 meter
line(females), 5 meter(males) and all other players except the goalie must be at least 3feet
away. Official shall ensure both the goalie and thrower are ready, and the thrower must
raise the ball above his head to signify ready. On the whistle the thrower must attempt a
throw with no hesitation or faking. A missed goal shot attempt is a live ball unless it
goes out of bounds.
5. Penalty Shot Fouls:
a. Offensive player attempting a shot on goal is fouled in the act of shooting. (defensive
player making contact on the shooters arm; climbing up on shooter while attempting a
shot, splashing water in his/her face. Tipping the shooter in the act is not a foul)
b. Defensive player attempting to block a shot while in the 3 meter area
c. Male player tipping a female player
d. Any unsportsmanlike conduct, excessive roughness, and complaining to the referees.
NO DIVING IN THE POOL. ANYONE CAUGHT DIVING WILL BE ASKED TO SIT OUT THE REST OF THE
EVENING