OFFICE OF INTRAMURAL, RECREATION, AND SPORT CLUBS

INNERTUBE WATERPOLO RULES

Object:
The object of the game is to throw the ball into the opponent's goal. As a player advances the ball towards the goal, one or more defensive players try to prohibit this advance.
Methods allowed to prevent the advance of the ball:

1. Moving in front of the advancing player to inhibit progress.
2. Seizing the ball from the player holding it.
3. Knocking the ball from the hands of the player and causing it to float free.
4. Blocking opponent's vision with hands (without contact).

Teams:

1. To start the match, each team shall consist of seven (7) players.
2. Coed Rules - Equal number of men and women in the playing area. The goalie is not considered part of the playing area and can be a male or female player.
3. Waterpolo caps will be provided by the Office of Intramural Sports. All participants will be required to wear these caps on their heads (i.e. they must be tied on).
4. Players must sit in the innertube. Any player, including the goalie, must be sitting in the innertube in order to have possession of the ball.
5. A team which acquires a total of seven team fouls in each quarter will be awarded free shots. Free shot will be taken from the spot marked off by the supervisor.

Game:

1. The game will consist of four (4) eight-minute quarters. Time is continuous. There will be one (1) minute rest periods between quarters and five (5) minutes at the half. The game will begin with a coin toss to determine goals defended. Teams will exchange at the end of the first half. Each team will be permitted two (2) time-outs - one per half. Time-outs may be taken during any dead ball or may be called by a player in the pool whose team is in possession of the ball.
2. In the last two minutes of the game, a 30 second possession clock will be enforced. The supervisor will announce remaining 10 seconds, then state 'Release'. If the ball is not released upon the announcement, the possession will be changed.
3. In the event of a tie game, in playoffs only, there will be a shoot-out. Each team will choose five (5) players (at least two women in the Coed division) to shoot at the opposing goalie (as a penalty shot). The team with the most goals will be determined the winner. To be a goal, the attempt must be successful.
4. At the start of the first quarter, the teams will line up at each end of the pool. The official will throw the ball in the center of the pool. At the whistle, the teams will attempt to retrieve the ball and score. In the subsequent quarters, teams will alternate possession.
5. Scoring a goal (1 point each) - The ball may be thrown at the goal from any point behind the goalie line (flags) within the pool. Players may enter the goal area to gain possession of the ball but must pass the ball outside of the goal area in order to attempt a score. Players attempting a goal must maintain their balance and remain in their innertube. An attempted goal scored when a player is not within his/her innertube will not be counted. Points are scored when the ball is thrown completely across the goal line within the goal post. A ball may skipped into the goal. The ball must clearly cross the entire goal line to be counted. A goalie may not attempt to block or handle the ball when he/she is not in his/her innertube. After a goal has been scored, the defending goalkeeper will put the ball into play. The goalie must release the ball within five (5) seconds.
6. Ball out-of-bounds - A ball thrown or deflected out-of-bounds will be given to the opposing team at the spot closest to the sideline.

Substitutions:

Teams will be seated on the north side of the pool. A player may substitute at any time, but the substitute must wait until the exiting player is completely out of the pool. Entrance into the pool on substitutions must be made by slipping into the pool. No diving.
Violations (All violations and fouls will be administered at the point of the infraction.):

1. Starting play before the referee blows the whistle.
2. Falling out of the tube and trying or gaining control of the ball without being in the innertube; players and goalie.
3. Intentional delay of game.
4. Taking the ball underwater.
5. Intentionally keeping the ball covered to prevent the opposing team from gaining possession.
6. Touching the side or goalie to gain an advantage (goalkeeper may push off the side of the pool with one or both hands or feet).
7. Entry of substitute in manner other than prescribed in Substitutions Guidelines.
8. Too many players or wrong combination of players (Coed) in the playing field.
9. Jumping on innertubes. A warning will be issued; second warning to team will be a penalty shot.
10. Holding, pushing, or kicking off an opponent's innertube.
11. Shooting the ball in front of the goalie line (flags).

Fouls:

1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (e.g. taunting or verbally abusing other players or officials; grabbing legs or arms under or above the water).
2. Flagrant Conduct - in attempt to gain possession of the ball
   1. Slapping or grabbing arms, wrists, or legs.
   2. Tipping or attempting to tip opponent's innertube.
3. Splashing goalie or any other player.