When can the coach call a timeout?
Rule- USA
- USA Water Polo
- 14U
- 14 and under
- Club water polo
- 2026-27 rules
- Parents
Under USA Water Polo Rule WP 13:
- Each team gets two timeouts per game, each one minute long.
- Only the coach of the team in possession of the ball can call one, at any time, including after a goal or before a penalty throw is taken.
- After the timeout, the team with the ball restarts on or behind the half-distance line (a corner throw or penalty throw that was about to be taken is kept). The shot clock carries on from where it stopped.
- If the team without the ball calls a timeout, the other team is awarded a penalty throw.
- If the team with the ball calls a timeout it doesn't have left, the ball goes to the other team at the half-distance line.
The two-timeout limit also applies at USA Water Polo national championships.
Added 21 Oct 2026