The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Wednesday approved red markings being placed at each end of the field of play on the boundary line to denote the goal area in men's and women's water polo.
The marks will be placed 2 meters outside the inner side of each goal post so that the goal area is defined as the rectangular area in front of the goal bounded by the goal line, the 2-meter line, and lines 2 meters outside the inner side of each goal post.
The rule is effective beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
That first year, temporary markings can be used for the 2024-25 academic year.For floating goals, the temporary markings can include red tape, red paint, red foam markers, or a red towel tied to the goal line lane line, each at a distance of 2 meters outside the inner side of each goal post.
For wall goals the temporary markings can include cones on the pool deck, long red horizontal deck markers, red tape or red paint, each at a distance of 2 meters outside the inner side of each goal post.
However, for the 2025-26 academic year, continuous red markings will be required. For floating goals, continuous red buoys on the goal line lane line for a distance of 2 meters outside the inner side of each goal post are required. For wall goals, the continuous markings can be provided using long red horizontal deck markers or continuous red paint.
Rationale for the change is to allow is to allow for more movement on offense, which can create new offensive strategies, promote more scoring opportunities and enhance spectator appeal. Players on offense will now be allowed to be inside the 2-meter line ahead of the ball if they are not inside the Goal Area.
Other rules changes
- Limit contact allowed by a defender from behind if an offensive player is inside the 6-meter line with the ball and an open path to the goal.Contact is now allowed only to the ball or the hand holding the ball.Regardless of whether the offensive player is holding the ball, any other contact will be called as a penalty foul if it prevents the offensive player from completing their intended action.
- Require a member of the coaching staff to report a change in cap numbers to the referee.
- The referee can issue warnings if repeated delays in substitutions interfere with the progress of the game. That will be followed by a card on the next violation.
- Individuals, who receive a red card, commit an act of flagrant misconduct, or are involved in fighting must leave the venue and remain out of sight and sound until the conclusion of the game.They must also remain out of sight and sound during any subsequent games for which they are suspended.