How long is an ordinary exclusion, and what do I signal when it ends?

For an ordinary exclusion foul (not misconduct, violent action or penalty throw interference), the player is not excluded for the rest of the match. The player, or a substitute, may re-enter after the earliest of:

• 18 seconds of actual play since the exclusion foul was awarded. The secretaries signal this with the appropriate flag, or a device authorised for the match.
• A goal being awarded.
• The excluded player's team retaking possession (the referees signal re-entry by hand).
• The excluded player's team being awarded a free throw, goal throw or penalty throw.

When a period of exclusion expires (rather than ending because possession changed), the secretary signals the expiry by raising the appropriate flag or by another approved method. The timekeepers record the exclusion and re-entry times.

Source: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (February 2026), Part Six, Articles 3.10.2.5, 3.11.2.3.1 and 10.5.