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InnerTube Water Polo Rules

Intramural Sports General Information

The Intramural Sports Office is located in the atrium of the Student Recreation Center.
Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone Numbers: 
205-348-8055
205-348-3906
Rain Hotline: 205-348-2708

Email address:imsports@bama.ua.edu


Rule 1: Game

Article 1: Beginning of the game
There will be a coin toss to determine possession of the ball to begin the game. The clock will begin when the referee hands the goalie the ball.

Article 2: Goals
After each score, the ball is put into play from the referee by returning it to the goalie just scored upon.

Rule 2: Team Members

Article 1: Duties of the Goalie
The goalie may not throw the ball more than half the length of the pool at any time. The goalie may not leave his/her inner tube while effectively guarding the goal.
                                                           
Article 2: Duties of Other Team Members
Players are to pass, catch, and throw the ball to team members or toward the goal in an attempt to score upon the opposing team. Players may use one or both hands at all times. The forward line players should remain on offense and not attempt to drop back more than half the distance to the goal. No part of the offensive players' body may penetrate the two-yard line. The defensive line should keep in mind that they are the main line of defense for the goalie and should not venture more than half way up the goal (this is optional).

Rule 3: General Rules

Article 1: Halves and Timeouts
The game will consist of two twelve-minute halves with a running clock. There will be 2 minutes between halves (goalies change ends). There are two one-minute timeouts allowed per team. The player in control of the ball is required to call the timeout.

Article 2: Players and Substitutions
Substitutions may only be made during timeouts, after a goal is scored, or between halves. The following are the players' positions: Right, Center and Left Forwards; Right, Center, and Left Backs; Goalie.

Article 3: Goalie’s area and Penalty area
The Goalie's Area will extend five feet from the end of the pool, or extend two yards and span the entire width of the playing area. No offensive player is permitted in this area. The Penalty Area will extend twelve feet from the end of the pool or fifteen feet from the Goalie's Area line.

 

Article 4: Points
Points will be awarded by the following scale: one point for each goal scored; one point for each successful penalty shot; zero points for successful shots made from within the Goalie's Area; and zero points for successful shots that a player takes from outside his/her inner tube.

Article 5: Free Throws
A free throw is awarded after a minor infraction. The non-violating team member nearest the spot of the infraction puts the ball into play by passing or advancing the ball. Opponents may not touch, impede, or interfere with his/her attempt to pass the ball. One pass must be made before any attempted goal. A free throw is awarded to the opposing team from the same point where the ball went out of bounds. The player nearest this exit point takes the throw.

Article 6: Penalty Shots
A penalty shot is awarded to the offensive team if a player is fouled inside the four-yard line. All players except the goalie must leave the penalty area until the shot is taken. No player may be within one yard of the thrower. Should the shot be missed, the ball is free and continues is play.

Rule 4: Penalties

Article 1: Infractions
A free throw will be awarded for the following penalties:
A. Holding onto the pool wall while in possession of the ball.
B. Holding the ball under water.
C. Goalie throwing the ball more than half the distance of the pool.
D. Offensive player entering the goalie's area.

Article 2: Personal Fouls
A free throw is awarded for the following penalties unless the penalty occurs in the penalty box:

  1. Holding, pushing, dunking, or dumping an opponent not possessing the ball.
  2. Goalie holding on to the side of the pool while catching or passing the ball.
  3. Persistently repeating an infraction, even after the referee has given warnings.
  4. Tipping an opponent out of his/her tube immediately after a score, in an attempt to discount score.
  5. Grabbing or touching another player around the head or neck.

Article 3: Flagrant Fouls
The player that commits these fouls will be ejected from the game. If the player is ejected the team will have to play a player down for the rest of the game.

  1. Attacking, striking, or kicking an opponent in such a manner, as in the opinion of the referee, to endanger another person.
  2. Flagrantly refusing obedience to a referee's request.
  3. Exhibiting un-sportsman like conduct.

Article 4: Additional Penalties
The following are considered penalties and will result in loss of the ball:

  1. The goalie may not leave his/her inner tube to perform his/her task (i.e. he must stay in the tube to block a shot).
  2. Players may not splash other players.
  3. Offensive players are not allowed in opponent's goalie area. If a free ball lands in the goalie's area, the goalie has five seconds to gain control of the ball and have it touch another player's hand out of the area. A player may defend him/herself while controlling the ball, but an offensive or defensive player may not use excessive force while doing his/her duties. A player may not pass the ball to him/herself.