Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Team Composition
- In the water: 7 players per team (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
- Roster: Maximum 13 players per team (11 field players + 2 goalkeepers)
- A team must have at least 7 players to start a match
- One designated team captain per side, identified by a captain's armband or cap marking
4.2 Substitutions
- Unlimited substitutions permitted, but only from the re-entry area during a dead-ball situation or after a goal
- Flying substitutions (during play) allowed only at the re-entry area; the departing player must fully leave the water before the substitute enters
- Goalkeeper-to-goalkeeper substitution: the replacement goalkeeper must wear a red cap
- Improper substitution (entering before the departing player exits) results in an exclusion foul
4.3 Player Positions and Roles
- Center forward (hole set / 2-meter player): Positions directly in front of the opposing goal at the 2 m line; primary target for entry passes
- Center back (hole-D): Defends the center forward; physical, pressing defense
- Wings: Position at the sides of the attacking formation; drive and shoot from angles
- Drivers (flats/points): Perimeter players who create motion offense through driving toward the goal
- Goalkeeper: Special privileges within 5 m of own goal (may use two hands, punch the ball)
4.4 Officials
- 2 referees: One on each side of the pool; share equal authority; signal fouls with whistle and hand signals
- 2 goal judges: Positioned behind each goal; signal goals, corner throws, and goal throws
- Timekeeper: Operates the game clock, records exclusion times
- Secretary: Records goals scored, personal fouls, and exclusions for each player
- Shot-clock operator: Manages the 30-second possession clock; resets on change of possession or reset events