Major Changes for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 Water Polo Rules and Interpretations Book
The following rules changes were approved by the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Water Polo Rules Subcommittee and the Playing Rules Oversight
Panel. They will be incorporated into the rules book for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
Rule 1-3
Rule 3-6-1
Rule 3-6-2
Rule 3-6-3c
Rule 7-12-6
Rule 7-13-6
Adds a recommendation that the field of play be uniformly and adequately lighted, including 100 foot-candles.
Rationale: Too many times games are being played in dimly lit pools/areas, which inhibits officials from clearly
seeing action taking place in the water. This change will preserve the integrity of the game to ensure officials are
able to accurately identify players and enforce rules appropriately.
Adds a recommendation that the host institution assign a representative to handle game management issues, as
requested by a referee.
Rationale: Currently, referees do not have anyone to assist them with spectator issues, equipment malfunctions,
etc. This recommendation will allow referees to solely concentrate on what is happening in the field of play.
Outlines that a head coach is only allowed to address the referee after a goal is scored if the referee expressly
grants permission or in order to file a protest.
Rationale: The times the head coach and captain are allowed to address the referees is clearly specified and does
not include the time after a goal.
Allows a red card to be assessed to a player in the water.
Rationale: Provides an additional option for referees to manage disruptive behavior by players in the water.
Adds a one-game suspension for any player who accumulates three misconducts in the same season. Each
subsequent misconduct will result in an additional one game suspension.
Rationale: Currently, there is no additional penalty for the accumulation of misconducts. This will serve as a
deterrent for “repeat offenders.”
Adds a misconduct penalty (game exclusion) for a player receiving a second Minor Act of Misconduct (MAM) in
the same game.
Rationale: Currently, the MAM has very little strength as a deterrent. Increasing the penalty for additional similar
behavior will serve as a stronger deterrent.
NCAA/05_31_2016/AF