Unit 12: Water Sports.Water polo is played in a pool 1.8 metres deep, 30 metres long and 20 metres wide, with a goal 3 metres high and at least 0.9 metre above the water.The goal is marked by vertical posts, a crossbar and a net.There are seven players per team, six swimmers and a goalie.The home team wears white caps, the visiting team blue ones and the goalies wear red caps with the number 1 in white.Like football, the game begins with the ball in the centre of the pool and both teams sprint for it from their own goal lines.The ball can be advanced by passing with one hand or swimming with the head above the water and the ball between the arms so it rides on the wave created by the swimmer’s head.No player except the goalie can hold the ball with both hands.Defensive players are not allowed to interfere with the opponent’s movements unless the player is holding the ball.Major fouls are penalized by one minute in the penalty box and a player is ejected after committing five personal fouls.For minor fouls, such as holding or punching the ball, a free throw is awarded from the spot of the foul.At least two players must touch the ball after a free throw before a goal can be scored.A game is divided into quarters ranging from five to eight minutes in length.After a tie, there are two overtime periods of three minutes each.If the game is still tied after the overtime periods, two teams continue to play 3-minute overtime until the referee’s decision is made. TRANSLATESOK
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