A cornerstone of water polo which permits a referee to refrain from declaring a foul if, in his opinion, such a declaration would be an advantage to the offender's team. A pass or shot made with either a bent or straight arm, in which the ball is projected directly behind the thrower. If the goalkeeper or any defensive field player takes the ball under inside the four meter area, with the object of preventing a goal, a penalty throw must be awarded. A major foul which includes deliberately attacking, striking or kicking an opponent or making disproportionate movements with that intent or to endanger another player in amy way. The offending player isexcluded from the remainder of the game and a penalty throw is awarded.
Home team wears white under international rules.
Goalkeepers caps must be red or quartered with two contrasting colors. Determined by the toss of a coin at pregame meeting between the team captains, coaches and referees. In pools with one end deep and one end shallow, it is believed to be an advantage to attack the deep end in the final period. A free throw taken from the sideline at the 2 meter line on the side of the pool where the ball passed over the goal line after having last been touched by the defensive team. Any defensive foul committed during dead time is considered a major foul.