Is there an offside rule in water polo?
I · Intermediate · Fouls and cards · 4 of 11Yes,
How it works
- The box: "a rectangular box extending 2 metres from the lateral outsides of the goal posts to the 2 metre line opposite the goal line".
- The rule: it is an ordinary foul "to be within the opponent's goal area except when behind the line of the ball".
- Outside the box: "It shall not be an offence if a player is inside the 2 metre line but outside the goal area." The wings close to the goal line are free.
- Receiving a pass: a player who is behind the line of the ball may enter the goal area to receive it.
- Passing back out: a player in the goal area who passes backwards and does not shoot "has to leave the goal area immediately".
- At a corner throw: no attacker may be in the goal area.
- Fouls in the box: after a defender's foul with the ball inside the goal area, the free throw is taken on the 2 metre line opposite the ball.
The glossary has the 2 metre area and the centre forward.
Tricky cases
Can an attacker swim into the goal area with the ball?
Yes. The player with the ball is on the line of the ball, and the definition says attackers must not enter "without possession of the ball, unless they are behind the line of the ball".
An attacker waits beside the goal, inside 2 metres but wide of the box. Is that a foul?
No. Inside the 2 metre line but outside the goal area is allowed.
Does the rule apply to defenders?
No. It covers a player in "the opponent's goal area". Defenders may be anywhere in front of their own goal.
An attacker in the box passes back and stays there. What is the call?
An ordinary foul if they do not leave at once. The other team takes a free throw.
Why the rule exists
Without it, an attacker could float beside the goalkeeper and wait for a lob. The rule keeps the space right in front of goal for players who arrive with the ball or behind it, which is why it is called water polo's offside.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules, January 2025 | A box 2 metres deep reaching 2 metres beyond each post | WP 8.10; WP Appendix 3 |
| Earlier editions | The whole width of the pool inside 2 metres was closed to attackers ahead of the ball. That is the common account of the older rule and was not checked for this page | C |
| Neutral throws | One awarded inside the goal area is taken on the 2 metre line | WP 14.2 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Six: Water Polo Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 8.10, 11.1, 13.3 and 14.2, and Appendix 3 (definitions). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).