Canoe Polo rules

The following rules have been put together so as to make them reader friendly and not too daunting. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with them. Most importantly, remember that canoe polo at UNE is very relaxed and informal and everyone is here to have fun whilst improving our skills. We realise that learning to control a kayak is hard enough without having to be an expert at playing the game. Even the most experienced players here are still learning. Although there are quite a few rules most of them just rely on commonsense with respect to playing in a safe, sportsmanlike manner. In any case the best way to learn them is to play – you’ll figure most of them out as you go along. Have fun!

For the complete rules refer to the Official Canoe Polo Rules.

Time

Each match will consist of two 10 min halves. Teams will change sides at half time and have a 3 min break. Please try and be at the pool and ready to play at least 5 mins prior to the starting time. In the event of a tie at the end of the game the referee may choose to play another 3 min session in which case the first team to score a goal wins (i.e. the same as a golden goal in soccer).

Players

Teams can field a maximum of 5 players in the pool at any one time but can play with only 3-4 players if necessary. Anyone is welcome to fill in for other teams as a reserve but note that reserves can not shoot for goal or be a goalkeeper i.e. they can only help with attack and general defence.

Team colours

Each team should have all players with either red helmets or white helmets. Where possible try and ensure that the red-helmeted team have red lifejackets and the white-helmeted team have yellow lifejackets.

Safety

Although played at a fast pace, canoe polo is a relatively safe game with very few if any injuries. Always remember to wear a helmet and lifejacket whilst playing a game. Also, remember to ensure that the pull-tab on your spraydeck is on the outside so you can easily access it to remove the spraydeck in case you capsize.

Starting the game

Each team must have all their players back at their own goal line before the start of play. The referee will blow the whistle and throw the ball into the middle of the pool. Only one player from each team can sprint for/contest the ball to start with. When one of these players gain possession they can then throw it to whom ever they like.

Possession

You are deemed to be in possession of the ball if you either have it in your hands or have it by the side of your boat within arms reach. You cannot have possession for any longer than 5 secs i.e. try and pass it to another player or dribble it by throwing the ball at least 1m in front of you and paddling towards it.

Referee

Always bear in mind that a referee’s job is a difficult one where they rarely get credit for doing a good job but often get blamed if they make a poor decision. So…lets maintain a friendly spirit toward the ref as well as our fellow players. Stop play immediately if the ref blows his/her whistle for an infringement or to halt play at the end of a half. The ref will also blow the whistle to commence a half, restart play after a goal has been scored or declare a goal, a goal line throw, a corner throw or a sideline throw.

Infringements/penalties

Remember, we play in a very social atmosphere and even the best of us make mistakes. None of us are yet to master the game, let alone fully learn all the rules and regulations. Having said that, some basic safety rules are necessary, so the referee will penalise you if you do any of the following:

• Hacking (i.e. go for the ball with your paddle if the ball is within arms reach of an opponent).
• Use your paddle to block throws if your paddle blade is within arms reach of the opponent’s hand.
• Throw your paddle (either at the ball or at an opponent!).
• Rest the ball on your spraydeck.
• Ram your kayak dangerously into the side of an opponents boat at a right angle near their body (doing so at a lesser angle is OK if you are contesting the ball or blocking their approach to your goal within the 6 m line).
• Touch or hinder your opponent’s goalkeeper. Be sure that your boat never touches them and that you don’t push a defenders boat onto their goalie either.
• Hinder a capsized player while they are trying to roll back over or perform a wet exit.
• Have possession of the ball for over 5 secs.

Sidelines

If the ball touches the side of the pool at any time then the team who wasn’t the last to touch it gets possession of the ball. A player from that team must then throw the ball to a teammate straight away from the sideline. This is basically the same as soccer. Note that it’s OK to touch the side of the pool with your boat if you have the ball in your hand, as long as the ball itself doesn’t touch the side.

Goal lines

Again, soccer rules apply. If someone from a defending team last touches the ball before it travels over their goal line then the opposing team gets a corner throw. If it is the attacking team that last touches the ball then the defending team gets possession from their own goal line. It may then be either be a defending player or the goalie who restarts play with the ball.

Free throws/goal penalty shots

A player may shoot at goal if they choose to after being awarded a penalty. The opposing team is still allowed to block the goal shot and play goes on as normal. Players may not shoot at goal if they are taking a corner throw, a sideline throw or a goal line throw.

Hand tackles

It is perfectly legal to push an opposing player either on the shoulder or their side if they have possession of the ball and if they can roll. Note that you can only use one hand to do so and please, make it a friendly push with an open palm rather than a punch! Also, be respectful to new players i.e. don’t push them at all unless they can roll. Breaking this unwritten law will attract dirty looks from your fellow players and may put you in the firing line for some “special attention” next time you have possession! We look after our beginners at canoe polo. Finally, if you are being pushed you cannot retaliate! The best bet is to lean towards the pusher and try and keep your balance.

Defending

When you are within 6m of your own goal it is OK to block the path of an opponent, even if they don’t have or are not going for the ball. Likewise, when attacking an opponents goal (within 6m of it) you can push defending boats out of the way, regardless of whether or not they have the ball. Note that if you are in the middle of the pool (i.e. not within 6m of either goal) then you cannot push/block an opponents kayak unless they have the ball.

Further rules (like you’re really interested in them by now anyway!)

If anyone has any queries or would like a copy of the full, official rules just let me know. Enjoy!

 

For more info contact the Canoe Polo Coordinator.