Water Basketball Rules
Although not commonly thought of when people think of sports, water basketball has grown large enough to even be played as an intramural sport at the collegiate level. The game models itself after the game of basketball; however, it is played in the water, featuring several alterations of the rules.
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Teams
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When playing water basketball, each team consists of five players, just like in regular basketball; however, only four players are required to be present. Players are also required to wear numbers, making them easily distinguishable from teammates. Any teammates possessing the same number can be penalized with a technical foul.
Tubes
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The entire game encompasses players that play from within tubes. Players are not allowed to leave their tubes and touch the ball, any player that performs this action receives a personal foul. If players accidentally fall out or leave the tube, they must return prior to being able to touch the ball.
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Game Play
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As in regular basketball, the game is played with a goal. Teams pass the ball to each other in an attempt to get it closer to the goal, allowing one teammate to score. Basketball scoring consists of two points per basket. There are no three point shots in water basketball.
Fouls
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A team is only allowed to commit three fouls. For every foul that a team incurs past the third foul a point is awarded to the opposing team. This allows the elimination of free throws within water basketball. Goaltending is also applicable in water basketball; should a team goal-tend, the opposing team is automatically awarded the points.
Out of bounds is considered to be the pool's edge, any team that forces a ball out of bounds will forfeit the ball to the other team, where they'll be allowed a "throw-in." Pushing off of the side of the pool and holding the ball under water are also considered violations and can result in forfeiting the ball. Players are not allowed to push or hold other player's inner-tubes; they are also not allowed to push, shove or dunk on an opponent---any failure to obey these rules results in a personal foul. If blood is present at any point in time on a player, that player is immediately required to leave the game until the bleeding stops.
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References
- Photo Credit basketball image by aline caldwell from Fotolia.com
