Definition
Water Polo is a competitive team sport played in the water between two teams of seven players each.
Mechanics
In most senior and junior water polo games, teams consist of 13 players, and each team is allowed to have seven in the water at one time - six outfield players and one goalkeeper.
The game of water polo is similar to volleyball and soccer. The main objective is to hit the opposing team's goal to score. The team with the highest score wins the match.
Players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and have to tread water the whole time.
To move the ball, players must throw it to either a teammate or swim while pushing the ball in front of them. Only one hand can hold the ball but the goalkeeper can use both hands.
The match begins with a swim-off where the ball is released in the middle of the pitch with the players lined up along their own goal lines. The first team to reach the ball will be the first possession of the game.
After scoring a goal, the conceding team resumes the match with the ball. All teams must be in their own half at the resumption of play.
Water polo matches have two referees with one standing on either side of the pool and they are in control of the game by imposing fouls.
