How do I run a penalty throw?
Rule- South Africa
- Swimming South Africa
- Water polo
- World Aquatics rules
- All ages
- 2025/26
- Referees
Under World Aquatics rules (Part Six, Article 16):
Signal and position
- The signal is given by the Referee on the right-hand side of the shooter as they face goal. If the shooter is left-handed, the Referee on the left moves to the 5 m line beside them and gives the signal.
- Signal only when all players are correctly placed: only the shooter and the goalkeeper inside the 6 m area; everyone else at least 3 m from the shooter; the goalkeeper between the posts with part of the head level with or behind the goal line; the shooter's head not beyond the 5 m line.
- Give the signal by blowing the whistle and lowering the arm from vertical to horizontal.
Problems
- A player (including the goalkeeper) out of position gets one warning; if they still don't comply, they are excluded.
- If the goalkeeper moves forward before the whistle and the shot doesn't score, the goalkeeper is excluded and the throw retaken.
- A player who interferes after the whistle is shown a red card and excluded for the rest of the match; the throw stands or is retaken.
The shot must be taken without undue delay, in one uninterrupted movement at goal. If it rebounds off the posts, crossbar or goalkeeper, play continues immediately. In the last minute, the Head Coach may choose a free throw on or behind halfway instead.
Added 22 Oct 2026