What is the format of the Olympic water polo game?
Games consist of four, 8-minute periods where teams try to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Players use a combination of swimming, passing, and shooting skills while treading water and are not allowed to touch any part of the pool. Mercy Rule: If a team is losing by 10 runs or more after completing their fourth half-inning at-bat, that team has the exclusive option of exercising the mercy rule and ending the game (not the other team or the umpire). Run Limits: There is a 5-run limit per half inning, except for the 6th inning, which is unlimited.Each team will be allowed one time-out per half. Time-outs do not carry over to the second half. A time-out may be called by any player whose team is in control of the ball. Mercy rule–if a team is winning by 5 points or more during the final two minutes, the game will be over.
What is not allowed in water polo?
Holding the ball underwater so that the opponent cannot play it. Touching the ball with two hands (does not apply to goalkeeper inside of the 5-meter line) Walking on or pushing off the bottom of the pool (does not apply to the goalkeeper inside of the 5-meter line) Tipping the ball out of the field of play. They are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and must tread water the entire time – although players use a movement called the egg-beater which is more efficient than the normal action of treading water. Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing the ball in front of them.Players are not allowed to touch the bottom or sides of the pool. The ball may not go underwater. Players may only touch the ball with one hand at a time. If a common foul is called, then the offensive team is awarded a free pass.Players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and have to tread water the whole time.Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming with the ball in front of them. The ball can also be palmed or kicked but not punched. Players are not permitted to push the ball underwater in order to keep it from an opponent, or push or hold an opposing player unless that player is holding the ball.
Why do they cover ears in water polo?
Protecting From Impact With players constantly tussling for control of the ball and vying for position, there’s a risk of inadvertent contact, including blows to the head and ears. The earguards on water polo caps act as a protective barrier, shielding the delicate ear structures from potential injuries. A water polo cap is a piece of headgear used in water polo and a number of underwater sports. The caps are used to identify both the player and their team, and to protect their ears from injury possibly caused by a water polo ball hitting the head.A 5-meter in water polo refers to both the 5-meter line and a penalty shot given to the attacking team for a major defensive foul within this area. It’s awarded when the fouled player is likely to score but is obstructed.How do you score points in olympic water polo? Players score in olympic water polo by throwing the ball completely past the goal line of the opponent’s goal. Each goal is worth one point. A ball can also be pushed passed the face of the goal to score a point.A water polo ball is a ball used in water polo and canoe polo, usually characterized by a bright yellow color and ease of grip ability, so as to allow it to be held with one hand despite its large size. Water polo balls are designed for ease of grip.The last line of defense in water polo is the goalie. Denoted by their red caps, goalies are allowed to use both hands to block the ball. This position requires a considerable amount of leg strength as goalies are repeatedly lunging and jumping to block incoming shots.
Why are there so many whistles in water polo?
If you’ve ever been swimming you’ll know that water often gets trapped in your ear. In water polo, it’s usually exacerbated by the regular dunking of the head when wrestling. The whistles are the most effective way of making calls in the sport. You can’t hide in water polo—you either rise to the challenge or you sink (literally). That level of intensity, grit, and pure love for competition is what keeps us coming back, and it’s why water polo will always be the toughest, most rewarding sport in the world.It’s complete liberation when you’re playing water polo – nothing on your face or in your eyes. You can dive in and open your eyes underwater, move along the pool’s surface, getting splashed while enjoying a clear view of the surroundings and your fellow players.Goggles. Goggles cannot be worn during a water polo game. If a ball hits an eye covered with goggles, the frame can seriously injure the area around the eye or the eye itself. Goggles are, however, very nice to have during warm-up and swim sets, especially if your eyes are sensitive to chlorine.
What is the 2 meter rule in water polo?
If you have the ball, you can go inside 2 meters. If you have the ball you can swim it right into the goal! Also, if a teammate with the ball is inside 2 meters, you can go inside 2M also. BUT if the ball goes back outside of 2 meters, you need to get back outside also as soon as possible. This rule identifies a specific area around the goal that permits an attacking player who is outside the goal area to go inside 2 meters without being penalized. It also opens up the game from an offensive standpoint creating more room for the offense to move around in and extending the defense.