World Aquatics Technical Water Polo Committee (TWPC) has announced a set of rule changes set to be tested during the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to start in January 2025. These changes aim to enhance the pace and dynamics of the game.
Key Rule Modifications:
- Reduced Possession and Exclusion Times:
- Possession time will be set at 25 seconds instead of 30 seconds
- Second possession will be limited to 15 seconds instead of 20 seconds.
- Exclusion period will also be limited to 15 seconds instead of 20 seconds.
- Shorter field of Play for Men:
- Men’s matches will be played on a 25-meter field of play instead of 33-meter.
- Coach’s Challenge Using VAR:
- Coaches will have the opportunity to challenge decisions using Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology once per game. The challenge can be applied in three scenarios:
- Violent action.
- Penalty situations.
- Corner decisions.
- If the challenge is successful, coaches may call for additional challenges.
- Coaches will have the opportunity to challenge decisions using Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology once per game. The challenge can be applied in three scenarios:
- Playing without a Goalkeeper:
- Teams can now play with seven field players (without a designated goalkeeper). None of the players are allowed to defend with two hands (no goalkeeper privileges).
- Players can become Goalkeepers:
- Any field player can switch their cap for a red (with the same number they were wearing) one during the game and become the goalkeeper. (This means that each team needs to have an additional set of red caps with all numbers.)
- Any field player can switch their cap for a red (with the same number they were wearing) one during the game and become the goalkeeper. (This means that each team needs to have an additional set of red caps with all numbers.)
The proposed rules are subject to approval by the World Aquatics Bureau. The final decision on these changes, expected to be finalized after the World Cup, will potentially come into effect after the conclusion of the current club season.
Some of these rules (25m field and VAR challenge) have already been tested on Junior World Championships but the results and conclusion were never published.
