page_title: Goalkeeper (water polo)
section_title: Rule variations
hierarchical_section_title: Goalkeeper (water polo) / Rules / Rule variations
caption_attribution_description: English: 28 February 2012, fifth test match at the AIS Aquatic Centre between w:Australia women's national water polo team and w:Great Britain women's national water polo team. Australia won the test 14-3. Australia wore white caps and GBR wore black. Australia's goalkeeper.
context_page_description: In water polo, the goalkeeper occupies a position as the last line of defense between the opponent's offence and their own team's goal, which is 2.8 m².
  The goalkeeper is different from other people on their team; they possess certain privileges and are subject to different restrictions from those of field players. As well as this, they must possess different skills from those of the fielders.
  Goalkeepers often have longer playing careers than field players because they swim far less.
  In water polo, the goalkeeper is commonly known as the goalie or keeper and may also be known as the man/woman in the cage.
context_section_description: Below is a table showing the major differences of rules and regulations for water polo goalkeepers between the three largest governing bodies: FINA, NCAA and NFHS.
caption: A water polo goalkeeper with a reserve cap on (FINA rules).
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