Canoe Polo Rule Interpretations
For those Polo Players competing this year, and indeed Refereeing, I enclose below a little guidance from the ‘top’ about how to interpret rules ‘throughout the world’ from the new look www.canoepolo.com.
The latest polo Handbook is now available 2002/3 and provides a stimulating read when there is no water in the rivers. Let me know if you want to borrow a copy.
RULE INTERPRETATIONS by Carmel Vekins, ICF Canoe Polo Committee Member Chair, Referees Advisory Panel (RAP)
Rule 21:Time-Out
Where a team is taking longer than 8 – 10 seconds to get a ball that is nearby or making no effort to take a free, then the referee/s shall award a time-out and give either a team or individual green card to the delaying (offending) team. For any second infringement a yellow card is awarded.
Rule 29: Illegal Substitution and Entry to the Playing
Goal line judges will raise their flag for any infringement of this rule. The referees will make a decision. There is no room for believing any illegal substitution was accidental. No part of a kayak may come onto the playing area until all of the departing kayak, player and all equipment has completely left the playing area. The rule states clearly that no more than the ‘legally allowed number of players from a team are in the playing area at any one time’. If players realise this will be penalised, then, it will not happen. If the goal line judges do not spot it and do not raise their flag then illegal substitution cannot be called, unless the referee or referees see it themselves, in which case they can then call it.
A team is not allowed at any time to have any more than 5 players in the playing area. A yellow card is awarded for any infringement.
Rule 31: Illegal Possession
Trapping or holding the ball against the body under an arm is not breaking any rules as presently written, so it must be allowed, provided the player does not break the 5 seconds rule.
Rule 34: Illegal Jostle
Please be sure to observe this rule. It is happening a lot, but not being penalised. If an opposing player dives under or goes on top of the defending player and pushes the player’s body by more than half a metre, it needs to be called along with a player pushing the side of an opponent’s kayak. This situation needs also to be watched carefully in case of a defence of goal infringement (see Rule 38.).
Rule 35: Illegal Screen
Illegal Screen/Obstruction off the ball must be enforced. For the first deliberate illegal screening/obstruction a green card shall be awarded, then a yellow card must be awarded for the second deliberate screening/obstruction. After 2 green card infringements for deliberate screening/obstruction by the same team a yellow card will be awarded to the next infringement of deliberate screening/obstruction, by any players on that team.
Rule 37: Unsporting Behaviour
Bouncing the ball of an opponents kayak to get a sideline/corner or goal line throw is not acceptable, and will be deemed unsporting behaviour. Award a Green Card to the offending player and a free shot to the opposing team.
Rule 41: Sanctions
In relation to Goal Penalty Shots please take careful note that “Any deliberate or dangerous foul on a player within the 6-metre area in the act of shooting, or passing or positioning for a near certain goal will be awarded a goal penalty shot”. Referees are strongly encouraged to use this penalty, and so cut out any dangerous or dirty play from early on in the competition.
Rule 42: Taking Throws
Within the 6-metre area any free to the attacking team will normally be a free-shot. In this situation the player taking the free shot must be allowed to take up the correct position. Boat contact will more than likely occur, as this area is so crowded. As long as any effort by an opponent is not to move or unbalance the free shot taker, it is okay. If an opponent or opponents attempt to intercept the ball with their hand, paddle or body before it has travelled 1 metre, or use their boat then they can be penalised.
Free shot taken again plus a green or yellow card depending on the severity of the infringement to the defending player or players. If a player is deliberately infringed while taking the free shot in the 6 metre, a goal penalty shot must be awarded”.
Mark Gillett