Section 8: Safety Considerations
Water polo is a high-contact aquatic sport with significant injury risk from elbow/knee strikes, head impacts, and over-extension. Mandatory ear-protector caps reduce ear injury. Concussion protocol: removal + graduated return-to-play assessment for any actual or suspected concussion (head strikes from arms/elbows are common). Brutality penalty + 4-minute exclusion enforces head-protection standards. Pool depth minimum 1.8 m (2.0 m at championship) reduces shallow-pool collision risk. Lifeguards on duty during all NCAA-sanctioned games. Each game requires certified athletic trainer; championship-level meets add team physician + EMT/ambulance + AED on site. Emergency action plan with cervical-spine and head-injury protocols required at every venue.