Rule Focus of the month

This is where I will mention a particular rule or situation in the game and highlight common misunderstanding in terms of the rules. If you would like me to answer something specifically, then just mail me.

I am going to start to put in a kind of contents link list here. As you can see, month by month the list of links is growing. After this, I will cross reference them so it is listed in categories.

 

December 2001 Paddle Blocking for GK
This month we are going to look at the situation of Paddle blocking for Goal Keepers and how the rule is different for them compared to other defenders.

One of the new rules allows a Goal Keeper to maintain the position of paddle even when it's within hands reach of an attacker. This is specifically so they can defend the goal using the paddle.

This is the exception to the general rule which says this normally can't happen - specifically for any other player..

In the case of the goal keeper, so long as they don't move their paddle towards the attacker or move it dangerously in any direction, they can keep it where it is.

The important thing to remember here is that the paddle can not be moved towards an attacking player once they are within hands reach of the paddle.

Out on pitch, defenders can bring their paddle as close as they like so long as the attacking player can't touch it at that time.

If the attackers arm is fully stretched and the defenders paddle still didn't reach them, then it should be ok.

If at any time the Referee thinks the paddle is too close or that the defending players actions could be dangerous, then that's his/her call.

Don't argue with the referee. They are there to ensure the game is safe!

 
January 2002 - Possession
This month we are going to look at exactly when a player is in "Possession", as this effects many aspects of the game including when Hand tackles can be made and when a player's 5 seconds start.
A player is in Possession when ...

In hands reach the ball

Have hold of the ball

Moving the ball with the paddle

But not when the ball is in the air !
Players can share possession and a Team is in possession when any member has possession.

Note ! There is no longer a definition in the current rules for Sole Possession.

Compared to previous versions of the rules this now means there is a greater opportunity to make hand tackles as the instances of a player being in possession are now greater – mainly due to the bit about the paddle.

In terms of how this effects the general play of the game, players now have to be aware that their 5 seconds starts in normal play even when they are retrieving the ball to their hands with the paddle. Also, when a foul or ball out of play (side/goal line, corner throw) is being taken, the player taking the throw only has 5 seconds once the ref thinks they are in a position to take the throw. Just because that player doesn’t have a hold of the ball in their hand does not mean they are not in a position to take the throw !

 

February 2002 - The 1 Meter Rule

There is no longer a 1 Meter rule when paddle blocking is concerned.

It's hands reach - and has been for quite some time now.

Or, if the ref thinks it's dangerouss,
they may still call a foul !

Clearly a  good, clean block wont be anywhere near the opponents hand (or any other part of their body).

When the ball is in the had, that is considered an extension to the players hand, and so the ball can not be touched with the paddle when it's in the opponents hand.
There is no restriction on use of the hand with blocking the ball other than when Free Throws/Shots are being taken - then the ball must be allowed to travel 1m Horizontally before it is in play (and allowed to be intercepted by anything).

If the ref thinks you are trying to interfere with the ball before it has traveled 1m then you can be busted, but that's only if they think you are trying to play the ball before the 1m. If you are just intimidating, then the only rule that the ref might consider is unsporting behavior - Green Card.

When the ball is in the water an a player reaches for it with their hand, their opponent can not use their paddle to play the ball, even if  it was there first.

In general play you can intercept any pass or shot with your hand - though some refs still managed to call this up as a paddle foul - by mistake !

March 2002
This Month we are going to have a quick look at the Illegal Kayak Tackle. We'll also try to keep things simple by not worrying too much about where the ball is this time.

 
The first thing to consider is if there is any contact with a players boat and their opposition's body (other than arm away from body).

In this instance,
no contact - no foul !

 If the initial kayak tackle wasn't Illegal, and the player continues to tackle into the cockpit area, then it is a foul.

   

If you can't see for sure there is contact between the boat and opponents body, then signal  "play-on".

Any contact - Foul !

 Remember safety is an important issue here. If there is any possibility a player may be injured then call a Time Out and check to see if the player is ok to continue.
   

When we are talking about a Ram, we have to know exactly what has to take place before we call a foul.
  1. Hard Tackle to the side
  2. At 90 degrees (including 80-100)
  3. Momentary (not continuous) Contact

All 3 things would make it a ram. Otherwise it's probably not a foul.

April 2002
This Month we are going to have a quick look at the Goal Penalty Shot (G.P.S.).
This is a 6m shot at an undefended goal. Time-Out applies as soon as the G.P.S signal is shown.

The Trailing Ref is on the halfway line making sure all the other players are behind the halfway line.

The Lead Ref stands by the 6m mark.

The Shooters body is in line with the 6m mark.

  

When the players in the other half are correctly positioned the Trailing Ref will raise their hand to signal to the Lead Referee that they are ready.

 

Subs must remain in their defined area, which is NOT directly behind the goal.

  • The Line Judge will indicate if the ball has crossed the goal line.

  • The Shooter takes their shot when the Leading Referee blows their whistle.

  • If completion off play is signalled at the same time  the GPS was awarded, then the GPS will still be taken. In this instance, the shooter still has 5 seconds to take their throw, but there will be no re-bound opportunities.

  • If the ball goes in to the Net - it's a goal.
  • If the ball goes over or under the goal (across the goal line) - It's a Goal Line Throw.
  • If the ball lands short - anyone but the shooter can play the ball.
  • If the ball hits the goal frame - anyone can play the ball.

May 2002
This Month we are going to have a look the situation of hindering a players attempts at righting themselves.

Ok, basically rule 37.2 under the section of Unsporting Behavior says it all really.
But in practice, just how much will a player get away with ?

 

Normally when there is any contact with the boat and a players body, then it's a foul.

But when a boat is upside-down, then anything which looks like it's a hindrance, will be called as a foul.

There are several times when a player will fall foul of the rules.

  • When a player continues to kayak tackle in to the side of an opponent’s boat before they have both their head and shoulders above the water.

  • To make additional hand tackles on a player before their head and shoulders are above the water.

  • To paddle over an upside down boat.

  • To paddle along side an upside down boat sandwiching it between another boat or the poolside.

Generally speaking if a player is on top of an upside-down opponent, then they should get of immediately by any means which is quickest.

It’s ok to kayak tackle a player to the point that they fall in, but then they must stop.

Is it illegal to take the ball out of the hand of a player who is in the process of rolling off it ?

No, so long as this action does not lead to touching the opponents hand in any way.

September 2002 - Mixed Bag

This month there have been a number of rule queries and they are specific enough questions that I'll answer them in one hit. So here - Bumper issue !!!

When are you allowed to hand tackle someone after they have taken/or in the process of taking, a free throw?

The Ball must travel 1M from the point of release of the ball first, or when the player passes the ball to their team mate, at which point - providing it's safe to do so, you can tackle them.

The same rule applies for Hand and Kayak Tackles and is effective on all Ball out of Play (boundary throw) situations, Free Throws and Free Shots.

Bouncing Balls off Boats - What's the score ?

This is new rule which has been talked about amongst the members of the ICF Polo Committee's Rules Advisory Panel (RAP).

Players throwing the ball off an opponents boat to gain a Ball out of Play (boundary throw) will be penalised with a Green Card. Possession is given to the non offending team.

Are you allowed to Fish the Ball from the other side of an opponents boat using the paddle ?

This is not a foul so long as:-

  1. the player does not additionally use their paddle for support on the opponents boat

  2. the players paddles does not come into contact or with reach (while in normal paddling position) of the opponent - in other words, so long as it's safe !

Can a player use their Hand to take the ball out of attackers Hand ?

This is not a foul and never has been. The thing to make sure is that the opponent only makes contact with the ball and not the players hand or lower arm - or in fact any other part of them other than the area permitted for a legal hand tackle.

October 2002 - Mixed Bag

Tie Breaker Shoot Out
Notes, Yes. Like any other foul, the ball has to travel 1m horizontally from the point of release before it can be intercepted.
Just for reference. If the average paddler is central in their 3m boat and the Goal Keeper is on the goal line and shooter on the 4.5m mark, there would have to be about 1.5m between their two boats, as opposed to the usual (it seems) 20cm.

Paddle Foul ?
Yes, you can take the ball out of another players hands with your hands.
No, you can't do it with your paddle !

Jewellery
No you can't wear things like hear bands or friendship bands.

Bumpers

  • They have to come down the line of the boat by 100mm on each side and at each end. This is really easy to see even without using a ruler.
    If you place you hand (an adults hand) on the boat so the index finger is in line with where the end of the boat would be if you could see it, and you stretch out your thumb at 90°, that's an approximate indication of how far the bumper must come down. Remember, this is the same for front and back.

  • If there are lumps missing - it fails.

  • If it's not centrally positioned and firmly attached - it fails.

PHOTO COMING SOON

November 2002 - Special Notice

At the Grade 1 Ref's Course last month it was agreed that two notices should be made to help clarify two rules.

1. Presenting the ball

This should be done at least at head height and as a clearly separate action to the Pick-up & Throw.

Failure to comply with this, results in an Illegal Possession Free Throw being awarded to the opposition

Tip: Referees are recommended to at least verbally instruct players taking Goal Throws as a first and final warning.

We should be working towards an instance when all players fully extend their arms.

2. Hand Tackle during shared possession

Since there is no longer a "Sole possession" rule . . .

 . . . when the ball is between two players - when they can both reach the ball with their hand - they are both in possession - therefore either can be hand tackled.

As a working interpretation to this :-

If one of these two players has their hand on the ball or the ball in their hand, then they can not hand tackle their opponent, as this could be view the same as fending off a tackle which is illegal.

 

December 2002 - The Jostle Rule
This rule is one of the newer rules (2 years old already though), which is particularly under used by most referees around the world (if the last world champs in Essen was anything to go by).

Basically the point of this rule is to stop one player (Attacker or Defender) just removing their opponent out of the way.

Important things to remember about the Jostle Rule...

  • It's in the 6M area
  • It's a type of Kayak Tackle - same signal
  • There is Continuous contact between the kayaks
  • It applies to Attackers and Defenders alike
  • Half a meter movement of the body
  • The player is stationary or trying to maintain a stationary position
  • The player doesn't have the ball

So, for an illegal Jostle, there would be a stationary player within the 6m area who is moved by more than half a meter by an opponents kayak using sustained contact on the tackled players boat.

It wouldn't be illegal Jostle if any of the following happened - and I say why...

  • Opponents kayak hits the player's body.
    • That would make it an illegal Kayak Tackle (Free Shot) for the boat to body contact.
  • Not continuous contact between the two boats.
    • That wouldn't be an illegal Jostle, but if it was hard, to the side of the boat and within the angles of 80º-100º, then it would be ramming - signalled by illegal Kayak Tackle - Free Shot).
  • Spin the tackled player on the spot.
    • This rule is about the body of the tackled player moving (as a direct result of the tackle) more than half a meter, nothing to do with the movement of their boat.
  • Tackled player has the ball.
    • It's not a problem to carry out a legal Kayak Tackle on a player with the ball.
  • The tackled player is already behind the Goal Line.
    • Then the tackled player is not in the 6m area. If their opposition were keeping them off the pitch, then this would be an illegal Screen (Free Shot).
  • The tackled player is in the middle of the playing area.
    • The Jostle rule is specifically confined to the 6m area and so wouldn't cover any other areas of the pitch.
  • The tackled Defender's kayak hit's their own Goal Keeper's boat.
    • This would then be an illegal Kayak Tackle (Free Shot) on the Goal Keeper (so long as the Defender didn't have the opportunity to avoid the collision).

There are many other situations where this wouldn't be an illegal Jostle, but there are also many times when this is so clear to see, the referees are simply allowing illegal play to take place - often right under their noses.

January 2003 - Where to take a Free Throw / Shot

The referee can signal a foul and award the ball to the other team. So where should the foul be taken from ?

This is actually very straight forward, yet most referees fail to let the players make the most of the situation be taking a significant advantage away from them in position.

The first thing to note is that the throw can be taken either where the ball is (or lands if in flight) or where the foul occurred - whichever most advantageous to the team being awarded the ball.

That's it, there is nothing more complicated to consider - no other rules. It's all there. If I though putting just that would be enough then that would be fine, but I think I need to make this really clear.

When talking about this subject I always look at one clear situation to give as an example. It's extreme, but very clear.

Situation 1:

I am a ref about to start a game. There is a ball release mechanism, so I don't need to throw the ball in (it's already in the centre of the playing area).
A player from one team jump the start. It's a Start Infringement - Signal 1 - Three Throw.

The Foul occurred on the Goal Line. The ball is on the half way line.
As the Ref, I would allow the team being awarded the ball to take the throw from either where it was (in the centre), or where the foul occurred (on the Goal Line).

Situation 2:

Same as above, but there is no ball release mechanism, so I will throw the ball in.
A player from one team jump the start. It's a Start Infringement - Signal 1 - Three Throw.

This time, as I have the ball there is only one place to take the throw - on the goal line, so that's where I would throw the ball for the team to take it. Remember, it's a Free Throw, so they can't shoot straight away, but they do gain the advantage of position.

The same situation applies to all other fouls.

Situation 3:

A Free Shot has been awarded quite close to the goal and the Defending team do not allow the Attacking player to get to the position I am indicating.

I would award a Green Card to the Captain of the Defending team on behalf of their team.
If the Attacker was still unable to get into position to take the throw, then I would just award a Goal Penalty Shot.

If I was feeling very kind, I might even call over the Captain and ask if they wanted a Yellow card or for me to award a Goal Penalty Shot.

Remember in this situation not to let the Attacker take an unfair advantage. If the foul was to be taken 4m from the goal, don't let them take it 2m from the goal.

February 2003 - Submitted Questions

This month - 2 questions from Sardinia

1° Start infringement. Does exist any rule about the kind of start-contact (example: it fails to put the nose of your boat under the opponent's boat? or vice versa)
 
2° Paddle Blocking. Someone of my mates affirms that if you, "paddling" (that's means involuntarily), stop a ball (in the hand of your opponent!), it doesn't fails. Does it has any sense?  

These answers are based on what I think is being asked.

1)

a) The ball must first be allowed travel 1M before it is in play and therefore no interference (hand/kayak tackles) can be made to that player with the ball until the ball travels 1M horizontally from the point of release.

b) Players can LEGALLY (according to the normal rules) kayak tackle their opponent. This also means they can allow their boat to dip under or over their opponents kayak.

The important thing to remember is that if there is any contact between one players kayak and their opponents body, then there has been a foul. It's not a foul to simply have the kayak arrive in the cockpit area - only if they hit the body.
But, if once the kayak is on the cockpit (the area of the boat where the spraydeck is), then that player can not continue to paddle over the cockpit. That would be an illegal kayak tackle.
If a player dips the front of their kayak and puts the other player on top of them from this action, then the above situation applies - paddling over a cockpit. But by a controlled action either player may carefully (using their hands) get off each others boats.
 
2) I think I understand your question.
If a player - for any reason allows their paddle to take touch the ball while it is in their opponents hand then this is a paddle foul. It does not matter that it was a mistake or accident. There are many situations in the game which are not intentional, but that does not mean it was not a foul.
Some very dangerous things happen that were not intentional. - The same as driving a car. If you run someone over and kill them - it's still a problem that needs dealing with !

March 2003

Information on taking Free Throws/Shows ...

Did you know that it's the initial throw that must travel 1m horizontally. If you mess this up by fumbling it then could you lose possession if the referee is sharp enough.

The only Free Throws are :-

  • Boundary Throws (Goal / Side Lines & Corners)

  • Centre Restarts (following the scoring of a goal)

  • All Start Infringements

  • Issuing a Yellow card for an illegal Substitution

  • Failing to Present the Ball (Illegal Possession) on any of the above.

All others (including all the other types of illegal Possessions) are a Free Shot.

How many times can you think of when to use the illegal Possession Signal ?

  • Failing to present the ball

  • Paddling with the ball resting on the spray deck

  • Not allowing the ball to travel 1m following a Free Throw/Shot using either the Hand or Paddle

  • Not moving the ball 1 whole meter in one attempt following a Free Throw/Shot.

  • Being in sole possession for more than 5 Seconds.

  • Playing the ball before it hits the water on a Referees Ball.

  • any others ?

 How many times can you think of when to use the illegal Start Infringement signal ?

  • Not having 5 players lined up at the start of each half.

  • Jumping the whistle at the start of each half.

  • Getting outside assistance on the sprint at the start of each half.

  • Moving into the other half before the whistle goes on a Centre Restart.

  • Jumping the whistle from the other half on a Goal Penalty Shot.

  • any others ?

April 2003

Q. How many Hand tackles can you make on a player one after the other ?

A. I can personally manage 3 maximum. This is hard work, but there are a couple of things to remember.

  • You have to be close to them to start with.
  • The player only has 5 seconds from the time they are in possession.
  • Each tackle has to be safe
  • Each tackle has to be correct (1 open hand to side or back of body or upper arm)
  • The player must be in possession all the time
  • As a matter of safety and this is in the rules - If a player is in the water and they role up with the ball, they must be allowed to have their head and both shoulders above the water before another hand tackle can be made on them.
    • Don't forget, the same applies on kayak tackle - the player must be allowed to get up !


Getting ready for the next hand tackle !

After three successive hand-roles most players get pretty tired of this so would normally realise if they let go of the ball then they will stop being hand tackled !

A situation question for you...

If a player has been hand tackled and they are upside down and then let go of the ball (which is right beside them), what would you do if by this time there had clearly been 5-6-7 seconds passed since they first became in possession and they hadn't thrown the ball 1m in that time ?


 
If a player was kayak tacked and they went upside down with the ball still in their hand and the other player continued to kayak tackle ...

What would you do if this was the result ....?

From last month - Asger Sondberg correctly pointed out that a Free Throw can be awarded when the game is stopped for something like referee error, faulty goals, injury etc, then play will be restarted with a free throw to the team that last had possession. Also For when there is a capsized player and a Time out had been given.

The Start Infringement signal could also be used when two players (on the same team are within 3m and both go for the ball at the start of each half. Also on a Referees Ball, when a player takes their hands of either their boat or paddle before the ball hits the water (but doesn't touch the ball), and another easy one would be for a Goal Penalty Shot, when the players in the other half jump the whistle, although you would still allow the penalty shot to be taken and maybe just award a green card if you felt the players were continuing to disrupt the proceedings.

May 2003

Q. Can a player be Hand Tackled onto another players Boat ? When the tackled player supports themselves on the other boat is this the (Holding) foul to call ?

A. 32.3 says as much as you need it to say.

Don't try to over complicate the issue about if the tackled player lands on someone's boat that then becomes Obstruction/Holding. That's a really stupid interpretation given what caused it to happen in the first place.

Anyway. Personally I encourage referees to take the attitude that anything that could cause injury is dangerous. Pushing someone onto something hard (like another boat or the poolside) or say a floating boundary rope is (or could be) - in my opinion dangerous. I wont tolerate it the first or any subsequent time. If it does happen the first time, I would likely give a green card. I would certainly issue a Yellow if the same person did the same thing twice without any question.

I have seen too many players get serious injuries from this kind of tackle including Dislocated shoulders and fractured bones. As for the ropes - well, think about the prospect of falling onto the boundary rope across your neck.

The referee has a legal and honourable responsibility to ensure the game takes place in a safe environment and according to the rules. If the referee THINKS it is or might be dangerous, then it probably is. That's it.

Keep it simple and play safe !

A situation question for you...

Every one thinks they know when they hear a ram (illegal Kayak tackle), but what three things must all take place for this to be a foul ?

- ignore the position of the players and the ball.

From last month -

1. Once an up-side-down player lets go of the ball - even if it still within their hands reach they are no longer in possession, so the referee does not need to consider calling a foul for illegal possession.

2. If an up-side-down player is still being kayak tackled then this is a serious foul which the referee should consider starting with a Yellow Card as the other player is preventing the tackled player from righting themselves and keeping them underwater.

3. If a player swims from an Illegal Hand or Kayak Tackle, then you should at least call a time out for the player to leave the playing area and bring on a substitute and think about how serious the foul was to consider whether a Green or Yellow card should be issued.

 

June 2003

Q. When exactly can a capsized player be substituted ?

A. At the next break in play - so long as all their kit is clear from the playing area.

Basically the next break in play is the next time the ref blows the whistle for any reason (side-line throw or a foul or anything else).

Once the player is clear of the water with all their kit and then following the very next break in play, they may be substituted any time after that.

The order of events is important though. The player swims, they get themselves and their equipment out of the playing area and clear of the referees and then after that there is a break in play. That is the then the time they may be substituted.

If there is a Time Out, then I think it is reasonable to assume that once the player and all their kit is out of the water and clear of the referees then they can be substituted at that time, but strictly speaking that's not how the rules tell it. You might find a ref who wants to see the letter of the rules applied.

A situation question for you...

Can a player get a foul for being kayak tackled over the side line ?

From last month -

Every one thinks they know when they hear a ram (illegal Kayak tackle), but what three things must all take place for this to be a foul ?

  1. Hard tackle to the side
  2. At an angle between 80-100 degrees
  3. Not sustained contact

So if you ...

hit a boat head on,

brush along side a boat which is in really bad condition, but sounds like an expensive sports car hitting a Freight Train

hit a boat hard, but maintain the contact between your boat and theirs,

... it doesn't count as a foul.

All three things need to happen at the same time for this kind of foul to take place. Remember, this is nothing to do with where the ball is.

July 2003

Q. When does a player need to present the ball and what happens if they don't ?

A. The first part of this is easier to say when a player doesn't need to present the ball.

A player doesn't need to present the ball for a

  • Centre Restart following a goal being scored

  • Goal Penalty Shot

  • Tie Breaker Shot

  • Referee's Ball

All other throws (Free Throw/Shots) need to have the ball presented.

If there was a Time Out then it's probably best for a player to present the ball to show the Referee they are ready to continue if there wasn't a foul when the game was stopped.

  • If a player fails to present the ball then they lose possession of the ball to the other team.

  • The team being awarded the ball MUST present the ball !

This throw will be a
> Free Throw if that's what was originally awarded to the other team
or a
> Free Shot if that was originally awarded
but the other hand will indicate the Illegal Possession signal

A situation question for you...

Last month, we looked at the situation of when a substitution can be made. But what about if a player voluntarily paddles off the other end of the pitch into the sunset ? When can their team bring on a substitute ?

From last month -

Q. Can a player get a foul for being kayak tackled over the side line ?

A. Yes and No.

It largely depends how it happens.

If the player being tackled is in possession of the ball for example, then they may be kayak tackled (according to the rules) as a means of either directly gaining possession of the ball or to gain a Boundary Throw.

If the tackled player didn't have the ball and wasn't even within 3m of it, then it's very likely going to be a foul (Illegal Kayak Tackle).

Don't get confused with the Illegal Jostle rule, which only takes account of a Kayak Tackle within the 6m area.

August 2003

Q. When can an attacking player kayak tackle a goal keeper without conceding a foul ?

A. Strictly speaking, a player can never kayak tackle a goal keeper.

But the answer you are actually looking for, is for when they are normally the goal keeper but one of two things happen...

  • If their team gain possession of the ball, then they are now attacking and so don't have an active goal keeper, so that person who normally takes up that position of Goal Keeper, can be kayak tackled like any other subject to the normal conditions.

  • If there is a lose ball and that Goal Keeper tries to gain possession of the ball - either directly with their hand or using their paddle, then they lose Goal Keeper Status at that time until either :-

    • The player who was the goal keeper gains possession of the ball, or

    • The attacker gains possession of the ball and shoots or passes. After that point the defending player can regain Goal Keeper status - so can't be kayak tackled any more.

A situation question for you...

There is clearly something going on between two players on the same team. One of them hit the other. As the ref, what do you do ?

From last month -

Q. When can a player be substituted after they voluntarily paddle off at the other end and don't come back ?

A. At the Next Break in Play !

September 2003

SPECIAL NOTICE
Some time ago on the rule of the month, I had said that the action of tackling a player over and on to the floating boundary ropes could be dangerous.
This was mainly an issue when in swimming pools where the ropes can be very tight. On reflection, and having spoken to many people about this, and following an interpretational ruling at the Referees meeting at this years European Championships in Ireland, it is now considered safe to tackle an opponent over or on to the boundary floating rope.

Q. When a team is lined up to start a half, what do you do when you see one of the players who looks like they are ready to sprint off, but in fact they are just pushing the goal line forwards ?

A. They are doing this so it can look like their real sprinter can move forwards a bit more.

If as a referee of this game, you have your line judges correctly positioned, this wont make any difference as they should be lining up top the front face of the goal anyway - so long as the Line Judges do this you could just ignore it.

Or you could penalise the team with a Start Infringement for displacing the boundary markers.

Free Throw to the other team either from the centre of the playing area if you have already thrown the ball or on the other teams goal line - as that is where the infringement took place.

A situation question for you...

No player is allowed to gain support from any of the playing area equipment. So what about ....

  1. The Goal Keeper who uses the goal line to steady their position ?
  2. How can they position themselves to avoid using the goal line ?

From last month -

There is clearly something going on between two players on the same team. One of them hit the other. As the ref, what do you do ?

As a Ref you still have to maintain a safe environment for the game to take place. If two players have a problem, get them off to sort it out away from the game. If one of them is clearly the main cause, then call a Time Out and remove them or send them off if necessary.

Restart the game with whoever had possession of the ball, but don't stop the game when the other team are in a significant scoring opportunity, like a fast break.

October 2003

Q. If there is a problem during a match, for example a player without legal equipment who then hurts another player and there is no scrutineer, so the ref is responsible. Could the ref be blamed ?

Interesting question.

A. In part, yes. Although Canoe Polo is a small sport, we do have well publicised rules both at home and Internationally. The players all have a responsibility to honour these rules and so to does the Referee.

The Referee is primarily there to ensure the game is conducted in a safe environment according to the rules.

In other sports like Rugby and football, (not very often) referees have been brought before the courts to explain what they did to try to avoid a situation. There was one situation where in rugby a player had a broken back and the referee was blamed in the court for not maintaining control of the game he was refereeing.

Ultimately if the players want to fight, then the referee will not be able to stop it happening, but they can maintain control from a very early stage and dismiss from the playing area any players who are looking like they are not interested in playing the game according to the rules.

The last thing anyone wants to do is abandon a game, and every time this has happened that I know about, there was always plenty of opportunity for the Referee to take control of the situation and stop the whole thing getting worse.

A situation question for you...

If a boat or paddle was really badly repaired and clearly had a very rough finish, what would you do as the referee ?

From last month -

No player is allowed to gain support from any of the playing area equipment. So what about ....

  1. The Goal Keeper who uses the goal line to steady their position ?
  2. How can they position themselves to avoid using the goal line ?

1. The Goal Keeper should be advised at the next break in play not to use the goal line in any way.
2. Usually it's best to have their boat over the goal line so there is question about it.

November 2003

Obstruction / Illegal Screen

 Outside the 6m Area

In it's simplest form, a player can not force or keep an opponent out of the playing area boundaries (Side Lines or Goal Lines).

Here Blue is moving the Red player towards the boundary by cutting across their path.

Direction of Movement

A player can not stop an opponent just for the sake of stopping them, but they can make it difficult.

They can not stop the opponent from paddling directly towards the goal when outside the 6m area.

Fig 2a illustrates the starting position, and Fig 2b shows the effect of the screen. BLUE STOPS RED

Not Playing the Ball

One of the most common cases of illegal screen is when there are three players involved and the Blue player (B1) closest to their opponent (Red) makes no attempt to play the ball, but is there with the sole objective of stopping their opponent from having any chance to compete for the ball, while their team-mate (B2) plays the ball.

In other words, the player who is the screen is . . .

  • Not in possession of the ball
  • Not within 3m of the ball
  • Not competing for the ball

BUT SCREENING THEIR OPPONENT

Marking 5 Out

While in a position of attack and being marked, an attacker paddles between an opposing pair and uses his/her kayak to get in the way of their opponent in the other pair.

Usually this starts innocently, but by putting the kayaking in the direct path of their opposition becomes the foul.

Fig 4a Shows the intended direction of all four players. Note the direction of B1 and B2 and in Fig 4b see that B1 has turned across the path of R1 allowing B2 to paddle away freely and un-marked.
Generally, if a player is either competing for the ball or inside the 6m area of the goal, then they are very unlikely to commit an illegal screen.
However, they could still be committing some other foul.

A situation question for you...

Q. An attacker with the ball paddles into the zone and is legally kayak tackled by a defender which then turns the attacker and causes them to knock into the Goal Keepers boat. There was time, space and opportunity for the Attacker to avoid the collision.
Should the referee call a foul in favour of the Goal Keeper or is this allowed to happen as the attacker had the ball in their hand ?

From last month -

Q. If a boat or paddle was really badly repaired and clearly had a very rough finish, what would you do as the referee ?

A. If you as the referee think it could be dangerous in any way, then don't let the player use it. You are responsible for all the players and their safe conduct including safe use of equipment.
It's the player's responsibility to ensure their kit is suitable to play in, not yours !

 

December 2003

Q. Can a player score directly from a Free Throw ?

If a player takes a Free Throw as a shot and shoots directly at the goal and a defending player tries to block it but it still goes in, is it a goal ?

A. In the rules before V5 came out in, there was some Referee Guidelines in which this was specifically mentioned. The fact that they are not around now does not mean they do not apply. Most of the Rules, Interpretations and the Ref's Guidelines (however not all of them) were integrated.

Anyway, consider this...

Free Throw is clearly defined as not being direct at goal.

If a defender intercepts it and puts it out over the goal line, then award a corner - even perhaps if it enters the goal as it still crossed the goal line. If a defending player keeps the ball in play, then fine - play-on. If the ball enters the goal directly, then award a Goal throw.

It actually used to also say in this instance, that the shot itself should not be penalised - bit odd but there you go.

From last month ...

Q. An attacker with the ball paddles into the zone and is legally kayak tackled by a defender which then turns the attacker and causes them to knock into the Goal Keepers boat. There was time, space and opportunity for the Attacker to avoid the collision.
Should the referee call a foul in favour of the Goal Keeper or is this allowed to happen as the attacker had the ball in their hand ?

A. Contrary to popular belief, having possession of the ball does not give a player the right to illegally kayak tackle another player - not even on to a Goal Keeper !

If - as specified, the attacker has the space and opportunity to avoid the collision, then they must do whatever it takes to avoid hitting the goal keeper. No Choice.

A Situation Question for you ...

Q. In the following situations what do you call if anything ?

  1. Ball hits the Ceiling

  2. Ball hits a diving board above the goal but 1m over the goal line into the playing area

  3. Ball hits the floating rope - but does not go over it

  4. Ball hits the Goal Frame and the rope holding it up

  5. Ball hit the Goal Frame

 

January 2004

Q. How much should a referee be influenced by either the players, coaches or the crowd ?

Generally they should never be influenced unless they want or need to be.

So, if they don't see something, what then ?

Not long ago, the ICF were very rigid in their thinking that if the referee made a decision, then that was the end of the matter and they would never be wrong.

In practice, referees do sometimes make mistakes, and while they should always be weary about what they hear. The first person they should actually always at least get eye to eye contact with is the other referee and check their signal.

Sometimes a referee can miss the most obvious thing, even though everyone else sees it. Sometimes it's worth calling a Time Out and asking one of your other assistance, like perhaps the Line Judge so see if they noticed if the ball went off as a Corner or Goal Line Throw for example or even to see if the ball went fully into the goal or not.

Personally I would ask a goal keeper what they think. Maybe in the instance of a Goal Throw Corner the Goal Keeper would give you an honest answer of what they think happened, but in the instance of if it was a Goal or not, although I might ask them, I would have to assume that most of the time they would say it wasn't a Goal.

Some questions for you to think/talk about ...

  1. What colour does the ball need to be ?

  2. What make does the ball need to be ?

  3. Does the competition organiser have to provide a ball ?

  4. If the competition organisers provide a "Match Ball", do you have to use it ?

These questions are for you to talk about in your own groups - you don't need to send me the answers. Please don't send me the answers !

From last month ...

Q. In the following situations what do you call if anything ?

  1. Ball hits the Ceiling

  2. Ball hits a diving board above the goal but 1m over the goal line into the playing area

  3. Ball hits the floating rope - but does not go over it

  4. Ball hits the Goal Frame and the rope holding it up

  5. Ball hit the Goal Frame

A. For the above situations ...

  1. Side Line Throw to the team who didn't touch the ball last taken position in line with where it went out.

  2. Side Line Throw to the team who didn't touch the ball last taken position in line with where it went out.

  3. Side Line Throw to the team who didn't touch the ball last taken at the point of contact with rope.

  4. Goal Line Throw if an Attacking team member was last to touch the ball or Corner if it was by a Defender.

  5. Do nothing - Call/Signal "Play-On" if you need to, but the ball is still in play unless it crosses the goal line.

The last person to touch the ball includes them using their paddle, or even when the ball bounces off their head !

February 2004

A. What to do when a Ball Hit's an Overhead Obstacle...

Lets keep this simple. There are Four main things to think about here.

  1. Ball hits the roof or something else - it's the same thing !

  2. Ball hits the roof over the playing area = Side Line Throw.

  3. Ball hits the roof behind the Goal = Goal Line Throw or Corner.

  4. Ball hits the Goal Support (not the frame of the goal) - like wires, ropes or the structure holding up the goal = same as #3 above.

For #2 this includes over hanging signs, cables, ropes flags slides and anything like that.
The rules say that the team that was NOT last to have played the ball will get to take the Side Line Throw from a position in line with where the ball hit the object - but on the side line.

For #3

  • if the Defending team were last to have played or touched the ball, then it will be a Corner.

  • if the Attacking team were last to have played or touched the ball, then it will be a Goal Line Throw.

There is an exception to this in Britain in the pool at Coventry. In this pool, there are steel wires which split the pool into thirds. The wires are only about 4m above the water - which is contrary to the rules anyway, but as a local rule, if the flight of the ball is interfered with by these wires then a Side Line Throw to the team who were last to touch it.

Situation Question ...

Q. As a Referee what do you do when a large amount of the colour contact adhesive (fablon) comes off a players boat during a game you are refereeing ?

From last month ...

1. What colour does the ball need to be ?

2. What make does the ball need to be ?

For both these situations ANY - There is no rule about this - although at major events, it's customary to advise the participating teams if match balls are to be provided and to describe the make and model.

3. Does the competition organiser have to provide a ball ?

NO.

4. If the competition organisers provide a "Match Ball", do you have to use it ?

In most cases yes. It's quite likely they have a sponsorship deal with the supplier. If you are worried, you should contact the competition organisers well in advance to be advised what will be used.

If the Referee is sympathetic and agrees that the "Match Ball" is no good, then he/she could allow another one to be used.

March 2004

A Player (in Red) is holding the ball in normal play, and the opposing player in Blue knocks the ball out of the Players hand and out for a Side Line Throw.
Who takes the throw ?
Now you could argue that it depends upon who was the last to have contact with the ball. In practice, this would be almost impossible to decide for the referee. Maybe the fairest thing to do is award a Referee's Ball.
 

Personally I am not a fan of awarding Referee's Balls. They are time consuming and break up the game too much.
In a situation like this, I personally take the view that the player holding the ball was unlikely to make the ball go out over the side line on their own, and the action of the other player was the only reason it went out of play. I also take the view that this opponents actions were to simply put the ball out of play. If the ball had been struck in this way and remained in play, then fine, no foul other decision to make.

So, I would call a Side Line Throw to the team of the player who was originally holding the ball.

Situation Question ...

Q. A game in a very public place. The Coach is shouting at his team, and one of the players swears loudly at him.
You are Refereeing. What do you do if anything ?

From last month ...

Q. As a Referee what do you do when a large amount of the colour contact adhesive (fablon) comes off a players boat during a game you are refereeing ?

A. This of course means they are failing to comply with the rules about Team Identification and quite obviously it would depend upon how mush was already off, how much was coming off and the level/type of competition being played at.

If for example it was a World Championship where many players use a coloured contact adhesive (like Fablon) to make their boat decks look the same throughout the team, there is a reasonable chance this could happen.

Usually at the next break in play if it looks like it's enough of an issue then the referee should get the player off. They do not "Send Off" the player, they just have them removed and replaced with a substitute to sort out the problem off the pitch.

The more public the venue, the more important it is to make a good effort to have all the boats matching, so the player should be removed at the earliest moment.

April 2004

Submitted question by Joe.

I have just come back from a canoe polo tournament which we lost when the game went into golden goal and I gave away a penalty. The other team was given the penalty when I slapped the ball out of the players hand during a direct shot at goal. The referee had blown the whistle and the player had stretched his arm back to take the shot. There was a goalkeeper in place and the shot was directly in front of the goal.
The question I wanted to ask you is whether or not I could have pushed the player over once the refs whistle had gone, provided it was a legal hand tackle, or should I have sat in front of him with my paddle upright trying to block the ball.

Nice question Joe and very simple to answer.

The first thing to remember in a situation like this and any Free Throw or Free Shot is that the ball is not in play until it travels one whole meter from the point of release before you can either intercept it or tackle (by hand or kayak) the player taking the throw.

Remember, this is only when taking a Free Shot or Free Throw. In normal playing time, this rule does not apply.

So, my recommendation, is to allow the player to get into position to take the throw, but make sure you are between them and your goal. Use your hand or paddle to defend the goal at a safe distance to ensure you don't block the ball until it travels 1m and don't even think about pushing them either !

Situation Question ...

Q. Two players in the same team had a number 1 on their helmet and some of the players don't even have number on the body's or miss-match numbers on their helmets and Body's.

You are refereeing. What do you do ?

From last month ...

Q. A game in a very public place. The Coach is shouting at his team, and one of the players swears loudly at him.
You are Refereeing. What do you do if anything ?

A. Clearly swearing at any competition is not allowed. In a public place  we have to be even more strict to enforce this to show the sport in a good image an any public.

The very minimum would be a Green card to both the player and the coach. In practice, depending upon who many clearly the swearing could be heard as to if the player should be issued with a Yellow card or not.

May 2004

Submitted question by Rob.

Q. If a ref gives a substitute a red card (e.g.. bad language or throwing a paddle at the ref), should the team be made to play with one less player than before the red card?

Substitutes are subject to the same rules as those players directly within the playing area. If a Substitute enters the playing area illegally then the team is penalised, so in the same way with any action like this, the player and therefore the team is penalised.

So, if the ref gives this substitute a Red card then one player would have to come off the playing area. While that player has only been removed to get the team down to the correct number of players, they are free to substitute amongst the remaining players in the playing area following the restart of play.

Situation Question ...

Q. If a ball hits an obstacle, no matter how high over head, then a side line ball is given, isn't it? Or is it only if it is less than 3m overhead and 5m for a ceiling? - Submitted by Rob

From last month ...

Q. Two players in the same team had a number 1 on their helmet and some of the players don't even have number on the body's or miss-match numbers on their helmets and Body's.

You are refereeing. What do you do ?

A. To start with use the number on players bodies if they are unique.

At the next break in play or half time if it's not an important/public event tell the captain of the team to have them sorted out for their next game or they don't play.

If it's at a major event, they shouldn't have even got on the water as they should have had correct equipment to pass scrutineering. Don't let them play until they change their kit. Continue the game with those players who are correctly identified.

June 2004

Q. How tolerant should a referee be about players preventing a foul being taken ?

A. Generally the referee should put a stop to this kind of thing immediately.

For a minor inconvenience, in the first instance a Green Card should be issued at the next break in play if the team who should have the ball are prevented from get hold of the ball.

For a situation which is deliberate delaying tactic just to slow down a fast break or clear attacking is prevented through illegal play, then the referee should seriously consider a Yellow Card.

The main thing to consider here though is that both referees clearly indicate the initial foul early and both signal the same direction so there can be no possible confusion on the part of the player who prevents the quick throw being taken.

Situation Question ...

Q. No Match ball has been provided by the organisers. Both teams want to use their own ball for the match. What should the referee do to decide which ball to use ?

From last month ...

Q. If a ball hits an obstacle, no matter how high over head, then a side line ball is given, isn't it? Or is it only if it is less than 3m overhead and 5m for a ceiling? - Submitted by Rob

A. In theory no matter how high the obstacle, then it would be a Side Line Throw.

So, if playing outside the ball hit a bird then that would be classed as an overhead obstacle.

Your confusion about the 3m is that there should be clear height of 3m above the playing area - minimum.

July 2004

Q. Can a penalty be taken with the paddle ?

A. Just for clarification I will answer for both a Goal Penalty Shot and Tie Breaker Shot.

In principle there is no problem that I can see.

GPS is in normal playing time and so if this goes wrong for the person taking the shot it's not such a big lose. If a mistake is made during a Tie Breaker Shootout then that player doesn't get another chance to score another goal in normal playing time to make up for it.

The ball needs to be picked up on the paddle blade somehow, and the kind of mistake we are talking about here is the ball dropping off the blade while carrying it to make the shot.

The main difference between a GPS and a Tie Breaker Shot is that there isn't a Goal Keeper on the GPS. For the Tie breaker Shot the goal keeper could legitimately bring their paddle out towards the shooter's on coming paddle and knock the ball off the blade before the shot is released. This would be ok as the ball would have almost certainly already travelled 1m away from the shooter (although still on the paddle blade).

Situation Question ...

Q.  Should a faceguard be allowed to freely pivot on the two side fixing bolts ?

From last month ...

Q. No Match ball has been provided by the organisers. Both teams want to use their own ball for the match. What should the referee do to decide which ball to use ?

A. There are a number of issues here.

The first is that maybe the competition organisers have a sponsor who provided the match balls. In this case it's very likely that the teams do not have a choice.

If they don't have to use the "match ball", then in most cases the two teams will have their own "best Ball" and this can be offered to the other team and usually one of the two balls will be picked without any problem.

If each of the teams do not want to play with the other ball then the simplest way is for the referee to decide based on what they think is the best quality of ball. If they are not so experience at making this decision - maybe they are not players, then they could just toss a coin.

August 2004

Q. Should the area under the goal be free of any obstructions.

A. Apparently yes. I had to check this one myself and what this means is there should be no floats or other such obstructions along the goal line within 4m of either side of the centre of the goal. Of course the practical implications of the goal line mean there will still actually be a rope of some description, but that's almost unavoidable.

The idea is that the goal keeper can freely position themselves under the goal but at the same time without any advantage of being able to unfairly maintain their position.

Situation Question ...