How do I run the shot clock?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under World Aquatics rules (Part Six, Articles 3.10 and 9), a timekeeper keeps the time a team holds the ball, displayed on a shot clock visible to officials and players.

Starting and resetting

Possession starts when a player gains the ball, including at the start or restart of play. A team has 28 seconds of actual play to shoot.
Reset when the other team gains possession (new 28 seconds) or when the team shoots. After a shot, the clock is reset but doesn't restart until a player gains the ball.
Possession continues through passes and deflections, and after a foul or stoppage that doesn't change possession.

Set to 18 seconds when:

the shooting team regains the ball after a rebound;
after a corner throw;
after a penalty throw that doesn't change possession;
after a side-line free throw caused by a defender's deliberate touch or the goalkeeper's block;
after an exclusion foul that leaves the same team with the ball: 18 seconds, or the time left if more than 18.

Simultaneous exclusions: the clock is not reset if a team had the ball; with no possession, reset to 28 and restart with a neutral throw.

If the clock expires without a shot, it's an ordinary foul. Referees keep authority over possession decisions and may direct the timekeepers.