WP17 Goal Throws
WP 17.1 A goal throw shall be awarded:
(a) when the entire ball has passed fully over the goal line excluding between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar, having last been touched by any player other than the goalkeeper of the defending team;
(b) when the entire ball has passed fully over the goal line between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar, or strikes the goal posts, crossbar or the defending goalkeeper direct from:
(i) a free throw awarded inside 6 metres;
(ii) a free throw awarded outside 6 metres not taken in accordance with the Rules;
(iii) a goal throw not taken immediately.
WP 17.2 (See 2023 update below) The goal throw shall be taken by any player of the team from anywhere within the 2 metre area. A goal throw not taken in accordance with this Rule shall be retaken.
[NOTE: The goal throw shall be taken by the player nearest to the ball. There should be no undue delay in taking a free throw, goal throw or corner throw, which must be taken in such a manner so as to enable the other players to observe the ball leaving the thrower’s hand. Players often make the mistake of delaying the throw because they overlook the provisions of WP 20.4, which permit the thrower to dribble the ball before passing to another player. The throw can thus be taken immediately, even though the thrower cannot at that moment find a player to whom to pass the ball. On such an occasion, the player is allowed to take the throw either by dropping it from a raised hand on to the surface of the water (figure 1) or by throwing it in the air (figure 2) and then swim with or dribble the ball. In either case, the throw must be taken so that the other players are able to observe it.]
- (Updated 2023) WP17.2 When there is a counter attack, a player with advantage does not have to give up the advantage to go to the ball and take the free throw, goal throw or corner throw. The next closest player can take the throw as long as there is no undue delay.