NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Handbook
Amended 2020
4.28 Water Polo
4.28.1 Water Polo state-wide competition (open and 15 years)
Refer to ‘state-wide competitions'– Section 2.8
(a) Rules of the competitions
The following rules will apply to all open and the 15 years state-wide competition conducted by NSWCHSSA. Rules for all competitions are the same with the exception of playing times.
(i) Rules of the game
Rules of the game will be as set down by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur) except as amended below.
(ii) Draw
A master draw will be made at the beginning of the competition.
(iii) Conditions of play
The home team shall be responsible for:
Contacting the visiting team to ascertain the day and date of their game, three dates to be offered for consideration by the visiting team. If a mutually suitable day cannot be arranged, the home team is responsible for contacting the state convener for ruling.
The home team shall supply:
A suitable pool adequately marked with suitable goals. Every attempt should be made to obtain the best possible pool for the venue.
Note:
A visiting team which elects to play at the provided venue forfeits the right to use unsuitability of the venue as the basis for a later protest.
Certified referees (NSWCHS Schools Water Polo referee or NSW Amateur Water Polo Association Water Polo referee) who cannot be the manager of either team unless by mutual consent.
A copy of the rules under which the competition is played to the referees.
A timekeeper/secretary.
A team sheet listing the names of both teams and handed to the referees prior to the commencement of the game. At the conclusion of the match, these team sheets are to be forwarded to the water polo convener by the winning team.
Each match to be played on or before the date set down. Teams that have not played by the set date are liable to a forfeit, unless prior permission from the state convener has been obtained.
Games Balls – Size 5 for Open Boys and Size 4 for Open Girls and 15 years Boys and Girls in all state-wide competition matches.
(b) Playing time
The duration of all games except for semi-finals and finals shall be four (4) periods of five (5) minutes each, actual play. For semi-finals and finals, the duration shall be four (4) periods of seven (7) minutes each, actual play. The teams shall change ends between the second and third periods. There shall be two (2) minutes interval between periods.
Where associations or the NSWCHSSA conduct a "round robin" or "gala day" format, the game times may be varied to suit the organisation of the draw. This will be notified in the draw that is published to participating schools at either the association or NSWCHSSA level.
(i) Extra time/drawn games
Should scores be level at full time; a penalty shootout will be played until a result is achieved, except where associations or the NSWCHSSA conducts a "round robin" or "gala day" format, and an amendment is published in the draw.
(c) Number of players
For all state-wide competitions conducted by NSWCHSSA, the number of players to play for each team shall be thirteen (13). Six (6) field players and a goalkeeper in the water at a given time. (current FINA under 20 Australian rule)
(d) Disputes and protests
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Disputes and protests" -
(e) Excluded players
If a referee sends a player out of the water for the duration of the game (except for three (3) major fouls), the referee is requested to submit a report in writing to the state convener for appropriate action to be taken.
Any player excluded from a game for brutality and found guilty will be suspended for a minimum of two matches.
Any player excluded for disrespect to the referee and found guilty will have action taken against him/her at the discretion of the judiciary.
(f) Finals and semi-finals
(i) The referees for the finals and semi-finals are to be qualified neutral referees appointed by the state convener.
(ii) The venues for the finals and semi-finals will be nominated by the state convener.
(iii) Dates, times and venues for the finals cannot be altered once the competition commences.
4.28.2 Water Polo State Championships – boys and girls
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "State Championships " –
(a) Rules of the game
Rules of the game will be as set down by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur) with the exception of game times, number of players and the 'time out' rule – see below.
(i) Number of players
For all state competitions conducted by this association, the number of players to play for each team shall be thirteen (13). Six (6) field players and a goalkeeper in the water at a given time. (current FINA under 20 Australian rule)
(b) Entry
Students who are completing their final HSC year are ineligible to compete. All other students are eligible providing they satisfy NSWCHSSA Handbook "student eligibility" - Section 2.3
(c) Draw
The draw will be a full round robin followed by semi-finals (1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd). Winning semi-finalists to play the final.
Positions after preliminary round robin will be determined on total points (win-3: draw-2: loss-1)
In the event of two or more teams finishing on equal points after the round robin, placings will be determined by:
(i) The result between those two teams in the round robin
(ii) If the round robin match was a draw then by goal difference against the team placed, directly above, at the conclusion of the round robin. (goals scored minus goals conceded)
(iii) If goal difference is equal then the team conceding the least number of goals
(iv) If still equal a penalty shootout is to be used.
(d) Duration of games
All round robin games will four 6 minute straight quarters with no "time outs" allowed.
Semi-finals and finals will be four 7 minute actual quarters
2 time outs per game will be allowed in semi-final games.
1 time out per quarter will be allowed in the final.
(e) Disputes and judiciary committee
A disputes committee comprising the state convener, the championship manager and one team manager shall be responsible for handling disputes and/or judiciary hearings.
All protests must be in writing and presented to the committee within fifteen minutes of the end of the game in which the protest arises.
Any player excluded from a game for brutality and found guilty will be suspended for a minimum of two matches.
Any player excluded for disrespect to the referee and found guilty will have action taken against him/her at the discretion of the judiciary.
Any suspensions not completed within the championships shall apply to all games under the control of the NSWCHSSA Water Polo sub-committee.