The Rules and Regulations of Water Polo

Water polo is a complex and rapid game to play. Things happen quick and motion is constant and actually very hard to detect by referees, yet they seem to do an extremely amazing job at what they do. It's a game of integrity, stamina, and much physical ability is needed to get by.

Of course with every game that is to be played fairly, there needs to be rules in place to keep everything going along smoothly. Water polo rules are pretty clearly defined and easy to understand, yet they're also easily and often broken, therefore you'll certainly hear the foul whistle blowing quite often during a game. Here then is a list of some of the most important rules of water polo for those following along at home.

1. A player is only allowed to touch the ball with one hand.
2. The bottom or sides of the pool cannot be used or touched.
3. A player cannot interfere with a free throw (this is a biggie, or what they call a major foul).
4. Each player is only allowed two fouls during a game, after that the referee can hold him under water for as long as he can (okay, just kidding, the player just gets kicked out of the game)
5. Players aren't allowed to hold the ball underwater at no time, even if it is because of the other player holding your arm down (doesn't seem quite fair, but either is life I suppose).
6. There is no hitting another players arm as he is holding or passing the ball.
7. You cannot push off a defensive player (or at least let the ref see you doing so, but who can tell with all of that water splashing around right?)
8. No contact with other players intentionally.
9. No sinking or dunking another player (See parenthesis of rule number 7).
10. No using foul language during a water polo game (Above water anyways!).