What are the rules of water polo? 

In water polo there are many rules, most of them you learn through playing games and from coaches at practices. Here are some of the basic rules of water polo… 

1. 6 field players and 1 goalie start the game. 

1. Field players are only allowed to use 1 hand to throw, catch, pass, and shoot. Goalies can use both hands to block balls. 

1. When a player is being guarded (defended) and the ball goes under water it is a turnover (ball goes to the other team). 

1. Players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool or hang on the wall. 

1. Games are 4 quarters long each 6-7 minutes long 

1. Each team has 30 seconds on the shot clock to get the ball to the goal and score before they lose position  

1. Minor fouls happen often and result in a free pass, there is no limit on the number of minor fouls  

1. After 3 major fouls or ejections, a player is kicked out of the game and cannot return (being rolled) 

Who are the coaches and how can I contact them? 

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Hector Verduzco  

[email protected] 

GIRLS HEAD COACH: Candice Cobarrubias  

[email protected] 

BOYS HEAD COACH: Ben Wright  

[email protected] 

What if I do not have any suits? 

In Fresno, most people go to Swim Suits West on Blackstone to get their suits, caps, and googles. The people that work there will help you find a suit that fits as well as answer any questions that you might have.  

Another place to order swimsuits at Swim Outlet, this is the biggest online swim shop with suits in every color and fit. They also sell equipment, caps, goggles, parkas, and any other swim/water polo things you may need. Edison will give you a water polo suit for games.  

I have never played water polo before; how do I learn? 

Like most other sports at Edison, there are 2 teams, Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity. JV is where most underclassmen who have not played water polo play. Varsity consists of people who are more experienced and can work on details.  

Am I expected to know how to play or swim to be on the water polo team? 

The game of water polo is very tiring game, and the biggest consumer of energy is swimming. Knowing how to swim in particularly important, during the season coaches will work with you to make your stroke, speed, and endurance better. Most people who play water polo are also part of the swim team.  

Who do we play and where? 

Water polo is part of CMAC (county Metro Athletic Conference) like most other Edison sports. Similar to other sports there are different divisions. Girls and boys, JV and Varsity water polo play the same teams on the same day at the same place. The teams that we play are Bullard, Madera South, Madera, San Juaquin Memorial (SJM), and Sanger.  

Typically, JV plays first. Half of our games are played at home and the other half are played at the other team’s pool. We all take a bus together to the other school. You will miss some of class but as long as you communicate with your teacher and receive your work you should be allowed to go.  

Do I need to have good grades to play? 

You have to have no Fs to leave class and go to games. To not get too overwhelmed with work and grades it is important to stay on top of your work and make a schedule.  

What are some of the terms/positions in water polo? 

There are many terms in water polo and most of them you learn through experiences, practice and watching videos. These are some of the basic terms and positions… 

• Water polo ball – the ball that is used 
• Goalie – the person watching the goal 
• Wings – the two people at the bottom on the 3-meter line on offence  
• Flats – the two people on the top on the 6-meter line on offence  
• Hole set– offensive player positioned directly in front of the opponent’s goal 
• Point – the offensive player at the top above the flats 
• Driver – Field players that move between the point (tip of offense), flat (7m line), and wings (2m line). 
• Eggbeater – A kicking motion for treading water 

• 2-meter line – red line that cannot be crossed by offensive players without a ball.
• 5-meter line – yellow penalty shot line. Goalie loses goalie privileges if he /she crosses line.
• Strong side – The side of the pool on the same side as the ball.
• Weak side- The side of the pool opposite the ball.
• Ordinary foul – Violation of a minor rule and warrants a free pass penalty.
• Exclusions foul – Serious rule violations. “Playing the player, not the ball.”
• Rolled – getting kicked out of a game for 3 exclusions fouls
• Ball under – Ordinary foul for taking the ball underwater in contact with an opposing player.
• Corner throw- A free throw by the offensive team when the ball goes out of bounds (last touched by defensive team) 
• Free throw – A free pass given right after a foul 

*Common water polo set up 

Is water polo a physical game? 

Water polo is very physical. There are 6 people playing in the field per team. You will always be defending someone or being defended by somebody. People will hold on to you, kick you, drag you, hold you down, use their elbows, and scratch you. Due to the referee being above water there is no way for them to see what is happening under the water. It is a very competitive game that is also very tiring because it works every muscle in your body. 

What are the benefits of playing water polo?  

Water polo is a great way to meet new people as well as a great way to exercise. It is very physical sport; you will definitely gain leg and arm mussel by the end of the season. As well as physical benefits, you will also make new friends. Similar to other teams, you become a family with the people that you play with.  

What are some other common injuries from water polo? 

In water polo, common injuries happen to your face such as nose, teeth, and eyes. Another injury that happens is concussions from getting hit in the head by a ball. Other injuries include rotator cuff injuries, as well as back and arm pain.