Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
These rules are not the complete set of Canoe Polo rules, but sufficient
enough for players new to Canoe Polo to help them gain an understanding of
the game.
Canoe Polo is a competitive ball game between 2 teams, each of five players (with up to
3 subs per team). Players attempt to score goals against the opposition.
The winning team in a game is the team that scores the most goals.
A game consists of two halves with players switching sides at halftime.
The playing area is rectangular with a referee is on each side.
Goals are located over the centre of each goal-line with their lower inside edge 2
meters above the surface of the water. The goals are 1 meter high by 1.5 meters wide
and hung vertically.
The ball should be an official water polo ball. Kayaks shall be no longer than 3 meters no
shorter than 2 meters. Padding must be firmly fixed to the bow and stern of all kayaks.
All players must wear suitable helmets and face masks and a PFD (personal flotation
device).
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes through the goal frame and the
referees will signal like this to indicate a goal has been scored
Goal
The one defending player most directly under the goal is considered to be
the goalkeeper at that time. The opposing team can't move the goalkeeper's
boat if they do so the referees will signal like this to indicate a foul on the
goalkeeper
Illegal Tackle
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Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
If the goalkeeper is fouled and the ball is thrown into the goal the referee will
signal that the goal has been disallowed.
Disallowed Goal
The game begins with all players lining up under their goal line. When
the referee whistles and throws the ball in at the centre of the pitch, one
person from each team will paddle towards the ball and attempt to win the ball.
Half/Full Time
When a goal is scored, each team retreats to their half of the playing area. The
non-scoring team line up on the halfway line and bring the ball forward into the
opposing team's area when the referee blows the whistle.
When the ball goes out of bounds the other team throws in the ball if it went
out on the side line.
If the ball goes out on the goal line and the defence was the last to touch
it, then it is a corner throw.
If the ball goes out on the goal line and an attacking player was the last to
touch it, then it is a corner.
Sideline Throw/Corner
FOULS:
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Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
When any foul occurs, it results in the ball given to the other team. That team
starts play again with a "free throw"
Free Throw
or "free shot".
Free Shot
The difference is only that a "throw" cannot be directly at goal.
Severe fouls may result in a goal penalty shot which is from 6 meters without a
goalkeeper.
Goal Penalty Shot (GPS)
A GPS may also be given if a player makes a dangerous or deliberate foul
anywhere on the court or if an attacker, who is about to take a shot which would
be a near certain goal, is fouled.
Taking throws
The player taking any goal line-throw, corner-throw, sideline-throw, free-throw
or free-shot must hold the ball above their head, at arm’s length, with their
kayak stationary, before taking the throw. The ball must travel one meter
before an opposing player can block it.
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Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
A player must dispose of the ball within 5 seconds of being in possession of
it (i.e. with the ball within arm’s reach) either by passing, shooting or throwing
it one meter horizontally.
Five Seconds
A player may not paddle with the ball resting on the spray deck of the boat.
Any kayak-tackle that results in significant contact with the opponent's
spray deck or the body and/or endangering a player.
Illegal Tackle/Jostle
This same signal is used when a player (between the six (6) meter line and the
goal line) is stationary or attempting to maintain a position and their body
is moved by more than half a meter by sustained contact from an
opponent’s kayak.
When outside the 6 meter area in front of the attacking players goal line,
1) tackling an opponent who is not within three (3) meters of the ball. or
2) impeding the progress of an opponent who is competing for the ball on
the water and you are not competing for the ball.
Obstruction/Holding
The same signal is used if a player restricts the movement of an opposing player
or gains support or propulsion by playing their hand, arm, body or paddle on
the kayak, or holding the opposing player or equipment.
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Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
Illegal Use of the Paddle – The following are not allowed
Placing a paddle within 1 meter of an opponent who has the ball in their hand. A
goalkeeper is excluded from this rule as long as the paddle is not moved towards
the opponent at the time of the shot.
Playing or attempting to play the ball with a paddle across the bow of
an opponent’s kayak, within arm’s reach of the opponent in a normal
paddling position.
Throwing a paddle.
Illegal Use Of Paddle
The referee may call a time out at anytime to speak with a player to warn that
player about their conduct on the water.
Time Out
The referees may also play an advantage to a team or player who has been
fouled if by stopping the game it would impede the fouled team.
Play On/Advantage
At no time should a player argue or show disrespect to the referees.
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Canoe Polo – Basic Rules and New Player Guide
Canoe Polo - The Playing Area
You are allowed to tackle
any player in-between the
goal line and the 6 meter
line, if they have the ball or
not.
You may only tackle an
opponents canoe if they
have the ball when you are
in-between the two 6 meter
lines
Goal
Goal
Half way
6 Meter Line
Goal Line
Remember;
You are not allowed to move the opponents goalkeeper!
You must never hit a player or their canoe with your paddle!
You must not place your paddle within one meter of the ball
if a player has their hand on or near to the ball
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