Why does a water polo referee sometimes see a foul and not blow the whistle?
I · Intermediate · Throws, referees and reviews · 10 of 11Because stopping play would help the team that fouled. The referees may refrain from awarding a foul "if awarding the foul would be an advantage to the offending player's team". Two referees control a game, one on each side of the pool, helped by two assistant referees at the goal lines, a table of timekeepers and secretaries and a video assistant.
How it works
- The crew: at World Aquatics events, "two referees, two assistant referees, timekeepers and secretaries and a video assistant referee".
- Control: the referees are "in absolute control of the game". Their authority over players, team officials and spectators lasts from the moment they enter the venue until they leave.
- Advantage: they may award or not award any foul "while encouraging action and the advantage of the attacking team".
- The delayed penalty: a referee may hold the whistle on a penalty foul to see whether the attacker scores in the same action, and may raise an arm to show it.
- Removing people: the referees may order any player, substitute, spectator or official out of the venue if their behaviour stops the referees doing their job.
- Abandoning: they may abandon the game if behaviour or other circumstances prevent a proper finish.
- Attacking and defensive referee: the one with the attack to their right watches the play in front of goal. The other stays level with the attacker furthest back.
- The platforms: a walkway 1 metre wide and 70 centimetres above the water runs down each side.
The glossary has the referees and the video assistant referee.
Tricky cases
Can a foul that was let go under advantage be punished later?
It depends on the foul. The rules read for this page do not describe coming back to an ordinary or exclusion foul. They do say that a referee who delays a penalty call "should sanction the penalty" if the attacker does not score.
Do the assistant referees decide whether the ball crossed the line?
No. They assist. The definition has them "assisting the referee in determining if the ball has entered the goal", and the decision is the referee's.
Can a game be played with one referee?
Yes. The field layout rules cover a game with one referee, who works on the same side as the official table. World Aquatics events use two.
Can a referee send a spectator out?
Yes. The power to order removal covers "any player, substitute, spectator or official".
Why the rule exists
A defender who is beaten would be glad of a whistle, because it lets the defence set itself again. Advantage takes that reward away. It also explains why water polo looks rougher than its rules read: the referees are asked to keep the attack moving.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics events | Two referees, two assistant referees and a video assistant | WP 3.1 |
| Games with one referee | The referee stays on the official table's side | WP Appendix 4 (20.4.1.3) |
| Penalty shoot-out | The assistant referees take no part | WP Appendix 6 (20.6.2.2) |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Six: Water Polo Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 3.1 to 3.3, 10.1 and 18.3.2, and Appendices 3 and 4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).