When is a goal scored, and when do I award a goal throw or corner throw?
Rule- Australia
- Water Polo Australia
- Club water polo
- World Aquatics rules
- All ages
- 2025/26
- Referees
- Goal: scored when the entire ball has passed fully over the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar. It can be scored from anywhere in the field of play with any part of the body except a clenched fist.
- Goal throw: awarded when the entire ball passes fully over the goal line (outside the posts and crossbar) having last been touched by anyone other than the defending goalkeeper, or when a defender blocks a shot over the goal line. It is taken by any player of that team from anywhere within the 2 metre area, or from where the ball is if outside 2 metres.
- Corner throw: awarded when the entire ball passes fully over the goal line having last been touched by the defending goalkeeper, or deliberately by a defending player. It is taken by an attacking player from the 2 metre mark on the side the ball crossed the line, and no attacking player may be in the goal area. A corner throw from the wrong position, or taken before attackers have left the goal area, is retaken.
Source: World Aquatics Competition Regulations Part Six, Articles 7.1, 12 and 13.
Added 24 Oct 2026