One place for the rules.
Age-grade conditions, Auckland competition regulations, World Aquatics playing rules, demerit points, rescheduling, protests, appeals and definitions — searchable in one place.
AWP framework
Constitution, Bylaws and these Auckland Competition Regulations.
Grade conditions
Age eligibility, game duration, shot clocks and other competition-specific settings.
World Aquatics
The technical playing and officiating rules apply unless AWP expressly varies a condition.
National requirements
AWP adopts the WPNZ demerit framework and uses national requirements where expressly adopted or independently applicable.
Start with you.
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Choose a question.
You’ll get the plain-English answer first, with a link to the formal regulation if you need the detail.
Words you’ll hear.
A few common terms so a new player or parent can understand what people are talking about before diving into the full definitions.
Exclusion
A major foul where a player is temporarily removed from play and the other team has an extra player.
Playing termShot clock
The time the attacking team has to take a shot. The exact Auckland setting can change by age grade.
Playing termPersonal foul
An exclusion or penalty foul recorded against a player. Three personal fouls normally remove that player from the rest of the match.
Playing termPenalty throw
A direct shot at goal from the 5-metre line after a penalty foul.
Playing termTable duty
The people who operate the game clock, game record and other match administration. Auckland teams are rostered to provide this.
AWP competition termFloater
An Auckland-specific arrangement that lets an approved player from a lower-ranked team also play for the team immediately above them.
AWP competition termGo straight there.
These shortcuts are for people who already know the area they need. If you are new to the sport, use the guided questions above first.
Age grades
Eligibility, quarter length, team size and shot clocks.
Compare grades →Eligibility & teams
Registration, transfers, loans, floaters and team officials.
Browse regulations →Playing rules
How World Aquatics rules and Auckland variations work together.
See the rule base →Demerits & discipline
National demerit thresholds and misconduct categories adopted by AWP.
See sanctions →Table duty
Numbers, supervision, devices and missed-duty fines.
Find Regulation 22 →Rescheduling
Seven-day notice, pool space, referees and draw approval.
Find Regulation 26 →Protests & appeals
Game disputes, complaints, appeals and participant protection.
Open disputes process →Definitions
Plain-language meanings for the terms used throughout the framework.
Browse definitions →What changes by grade.
AWP adopts the national age-grade eligibility structure for U14, U16 and U18, while retaining Auckland-specific game lengths and applying the published Auckland shot-clock variations. Competition-specific conditions can still expressly vary a setting.
- Age eligibility
- 12th-14th birth-year
- Younger players
- Max 4 players from the 11th birth-year
- Time-outs
- 2
- Game list
- 13
- Shot clock
- Div 1: 30 sec full / 15 sec rebound-exclusion. Div 2: no full-possession clock; 15-sec reset where used.
Table duty must be supervised by a competent adult aged 18+. Field normally 25m x 15-20m.
- Age eligibility
- 14th-16th birth-year
- Younger players
- Max 4 players from the 13th birth-year
- Time-outs
- 2
- Game list
- 13
- Shot clock
- Div 1: Men 25/15, Women 30/15. Div 2: 30/15 for both.
Field normally 25m x 15-20m. Floaters and team-ranking rules apply where a club enters multiple teams.
- Age eligibility
- 16th-18th birth-year
- Younger players
- Max 4 players from the 15th birth-year
- Time-outs
- 2
- Game list
- 14: max 12 field + 2 goalkeepers
- Shot clock
- Men 25/15, Women 30/15.
Field normally 25m x 15-20m. AWP applies the 14-player World Aquatics start-list model from U18 upward.
- Age eligibility
- As published for the competition
- Younger players
- As published
- Time-outs
- 2
- Game list
- 14: max 12 field + 2 goalkeepers
- Shot clock
- Men 25/15, Women 30/15.
Field normally 25m x 15-20m. Age eligibility is set in the specific senior competition conditions.
World Aquatics is the base.
The current World Aquatics Competition Regulations, Part Six — Water Polo, govern the technical playing and officiating of AWP games unless an Auckland regulation or competition-specific condition expressly changes a playing condition.
World Aquatics Water Polo
The current official water polo rules and link to the current Competition Regulations.
Open World Aquatics ↗Competition Regulations
World Aquatics currently lists the February 2026 Competition Regulations as the current version.
Open current regulations ↗AWP rule-change memo
The operational memo that introduced Auckland’s age-grade shot-clock settings and U18+ team-list variation.
Open AWP memo ↗AWP tie-break rules
AWP retains its published Auckland tie-break procedure unless a competition expressly states otherwise.
Open tie-break rules ↗National demerit system adopted.
AWP uses the WPNZ 2026 demerit-point framework for misconduct in Auckland competitions. World Aquatics governs the game-day card/action; the demerit framework determines accumulated post-game consequences, administered through AWP’s disciplinary process.
The player or coach remains eligible unless another minimum sanction applies.
One-match suspension.
Two-match suspension.
Three-match suspension and review for possible longer suspension or expulsion. Reaching 15 points in a rolling 52 weeks also triggers review.
Unsportsmanlike behaviour
Verbal abuse, disrespect, persistent minor infringements, delaying the game, unsporting celebration or dissent.
Disrespect
Offensive, aggressive or threatening language; intimidation or taunting; persistent misconduct after warning.
Foul play
Personal-foul actions performed unreasonably aggressively or recklessly, including dangerous application of holding, sinking, pulling back or disproportionate movements.
Physical
Excessive force, dangerous or reckless fouls, hitting, slapping or striking that could cause injury.
Fighting / violent action
Physical altercation or deliberate violent action, whether in or out of the water, including conduct resulting in injury.
Serious unsporting conduct
Refusal to leave after a red card or conduct that disrupts or undermines competition integrity.
The complete AWP framework.
This is no longer a shortened website summary. The explorer below carries the full substantive content of the replacement AWP Competition Regulations. Open a Part to browse, or use search to reveal only matching regulations.
PART AFramework & definitions
3 regulations+
Framework & definitions
3 regulationsPurpose and scope
These Regulations govern competitions organised or administered by Auckland Water Polo Incorporated (AWP), unless competition-specific conditions expressly state otherwise.
Order of precedence
Applicable law and the AWP Constitution come first, followed by applicable AWP Bylaws, these Competition Regulations, competition-specific conditions, and then the current World Aquatics Water Polo Rules for playing and officiating. WPNZ requirements apply where AWP expressly adopts them or where they independently apply to affiliation, registration, transfer/loan clearance, national eligibility, sanctioning or disciplinary recognition.
Definitions
The definitions library on this page forms part of the interpretation of these Regulations. Where a technical playing term is not defined by AWP, the current World Aquatics definition applies.
PART BEntries, teams & eligibility
7 regulations+
Entries, teams & eligibility
7 regulationsClub and team eligibility
Teams are entered by AWP member clubs unless AWP approves another entry. AWP may accept, reject, grade or move teams where reasonably required for safe, fair and workable competition delivery. Each team must identify at least a Head Coach and Team Manager.
Player registration and eligibility
Players must be registered with WPNZ and affiliated to an AWP member club unless AWP approves an exception. Clubs are responsible for fielding eligible players. Any international clearance, residency or foreign-player requirement that independently applies must be satisfied.
Age-grade eligibility
AWP adopts the national age-grade eligibility structure for U14, U16 and U18, subject to published AWP competition-specific conditions. See the Age Grades section below for the full table.
Squads and game lists
Competition squads may contain more than 15 players unless stated otherwise. U14 and U16 use a maximum 13-player game list. U18 and Senior use a maximum 14-player game list, no more than 12 field players and two goalkeepers, unless competition-specific conditions state otherwise.
Team officials and bench
Each team must list at least one Head Coach and one Team Manager. A maximum of three team officials may occupy the bench. Medical staff and additional personnel must position themselves as directed by the referee, Pool Control or venue.
Transfers and loans
Transfers must comply with applicable WPNZ transfer requirements. A late inter-club transfer may attract the AWP 21-day stand-down. Loan players require any applicable WPNZ clearance and AWP approval; unless varied by competition conditions, a maximum of one loan player from another club applies.
Floaters
Where a club has multiple ranked teams in the same competition, a lower-ranked team may nominate up to two floaters who may move only to the immediately higher-ranked team. After three games for the higher team, the player is locked into that higher team for the competition. AWP may withdraw floater approval where the mechanism is being used to artificially balance teams or undermine competition integrity.
PART CCompetition format & playing conditions
10 regulations+
Competition format & playing conditions
10 regulationsPlaying rules
Games are played under the current World Aquatics Water Polo Rules except where AWP expressly modifies a playing condition. Auckland variations are summarised on this page.
Field of play
Unless venue constraints or competition conditions require otherwise, AWP junior and senior club competitions use a 25m field, 15-20m wide, with World Aquatics goal dimensions and field markings.
Game duration and time-outs
U14: 4 x 5 minutes actual time. U16: 4 x 5. U18: 4 x 6. Senior: 4 x 7. Each team has two time-outs unless competition-specific conditions state otherwise.
Shot clock variations
AWP applies age-grade and gender-specific possession times. See the Age Grades section for the exact settings.
Game balls
Each team must provide at least one approved ball of the correct size and brand in competition condition unless AWP or the venue supplies game balls.
Caps, uniforms and bench presentation
Teams must have clearly contrasting light and dark cap sets with legible numbers. Goalkeepers wear red goalkeeper caps. The second-named team changes where a cap clash exists. Team officials must be appropriately dressed and wear closed shoes unless venue conditions require otherwise.
Warm-up and venue access
Warm-up in the field of play begins only when permitted after the preceding game. Teams must not use restricted areas without permission and dry-land warm-up must not obstruct officials, emergency access or venue users.
Competition points and game winners
Win 2, draw 1, loss 0. A default normally carries -2 competition points. Round-robin/ranking games may finish drawn. Games requiring a winner use a penalty shoot-out unless competition conditions state otherwise.
Tie-break procedure
AWP retains its published Auckland tie-break method: head-to-head first for a two-team tie, then comparisons against the highest-placed teams, goal difference and goals scored, with penalty shoot-out if still required. Three-or-more-team ties begin with points, goal difference and goals scored among the tied teams.
Defaults and forfeits
A default may result in a $175 + GST fine and -2 competition points. AWP may record a 0-5 loss for standings purposes and may waive or vary the sanction for exceptional circumstances outside a team’s reasonable control.
PART DMatch operations
5 regulations+
Match operations
5 regulationsReporting for games
Teams must be ready to report to the referee or designated pool official within five minutes of the scheduled start time. Failure without prior notice may result in default or another competition sanction.
Table duty
Each team must accept rostered table duty. Unless reduced by AWP, five people are required, including a competent clock operator and game-record administrator. U14 table duty must be supervised by a competent adult aged 18+. Missed duty may be fined $100, or $150 for a medal game.
Game records and result confirmation
The official paper or electronic game record identifies teams, date, venue, time, game number, players and officials. Floaters must be identified. The referees or designated official should confirm the result promptly after the game.
Venue conduct and safety
Participants, spectators and officials must follow venue rules and instructions. Restricted pool-deck areas are controlled. A player suspected of concussion or serious injury must be removed and managed under applicable medical, concussion and venue procedures before returning.
Technical meetings and directions
AWP may call technical, manager or referee meetings. Where attendance is stated as compulsory, at least the Head Coach or Team Manager must attend. The Competitions Manager may issue reasonable operational directions consistent with these Regulations.
PART ERescheduling & draw changes
2 regulations+
Rescheduling & draw changes
2 regulationsPublished draw and rescheduling
A game remains scheduled until the Competitions Manager confirms a change. Requests normally require seven days’ notice; no pool game may be moved in the week before quarter-finals, semi-finals or finals unless AWP approves exceptional circumstances. The requesting team is responsible for agreed pool space, table duty and referees.
Postponed, abandoned or unavailable fixtures
Where a fixture cannot proceed for reasons outside the teams’ reasonable control, AWP may reschedule, declare a result, split points or determine another fair outcome having regard to safety, competition stage and practical delivery.
PART FConduct, demerits & discipline
7 regulations+
Conduct, demerits & discipline
7 regulationsOn-game sanctions
Referees apply the current World Aquatics Water Polo Rules to yellow cards, red cards, exclusions, misconduct and violent action during a game.
Reports and demerit register
Red cards and serious misconduct should be reported promptly and preferably within 24 hours. AWP maintains the demerit register and may obtain video, reports, game records or statements.
National demerit-point framework adopted
AWP adopts the WPNZ national demerit framework for AWP competitions: 0-4 points no automatic suspension; 5-9 one match; 10-14 two matches; 15+ three matches plus review. A person reaching 15 points within a rolling 52-week period is subject to further review.
Misconduct categories
The adopted categories are Unsportsmanlike Behaviour, Disrespect, Foul Play, Physical, Fighting or Violent Action, and Serious Unsporting Conduct. See the Demerit System section for minimum consequences.
Serving suspensions
Suspensions are served in the next eligible game(s) at the same level or above where applicable. AWP may identify the relevant fixture where no obvious next game exists and recognises national suspensions where required.
AWP disciplinary decisions
AWP management may administratively apply automatic or clearly prescribed sanctions. Serious, disputed or higher-consequence matters should be referred to a neutral DC. A person facing a non-automatic sanction must have a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Team and club breaches
A team or club breach may result in warning, fine, loss of points, default, player ineligibility, disqualification or disciplinary referral. Material non-automatic sanctions should follow a fair opportunity to respond.
PART GProtests, disputes & appeals
5 regulations+
Protests, disputes & appeals
5 regulationsGame-result and competition protests
A protest may address a competition-rule failure, technical or administrative error, eligibility or another reviewable matter. It cannot merely challenge a referee decision of fact. Pool Control or the designated competition official must be notified promptly and no later than 30 minutes after the game unless a shorter competition-specific notice applies.
Referee complaints
A complaint specifically about a referee is lodged through the AWP referee complaint process. If the complaint also involves a time-sensitive game protest, the protest deadline still applies.
Other disputes and complaints
Competition disputes are lodged with the Competitions Manager. Other formal disputes and complaints are lodged with the AWP Chair; a complaint about the Chair is lodged with the Secretary. The AWP Disputes & Complaints process explains the pathway.
Appeals
A club decision may be reviewed by AWP. An AWP management decision, including an administrative demerit decision, may be appealed to the Chair, who determines whether the Board or a DC panel should hear it. A Board/DC decision may proceed to the applicable WPNZ process; after internal sport pathways are exhausted, an eligible dispute may proceed to the Sports Tribunal.
Natural justice and participant protection
People affected by formal decisions must have a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Decision-makers must be impartial. Complaint information is handled discreetly and only shared as required for a fair process. Retaliation or intimidation against a good-faith complainant or participant will not be tolerated.
PART HAdministration & interpretation
3 regulations+
Administration & interpretation
3 regulationsCompetition-specific conditions
AWP may publish grade-specific conditions covering age eligibility, dates, game duration, shot clock, ball size, finals format, entry and team-list deadlines. They form part of the competition rules but cannot override a higher-order document.
Exceptional circumstances
Where an issue is not expressly dealt with, AWP may make a reasonable and proportionate determination protecting safety, fairness, competition integrity and practical delivery, without overriding the Constitution, a Bylaw or an express rule.
Amendments
The AWP Board may amend these Regulations. Material changes should be communicated to clubs before taking effect, except where urgent action is required for safety, legal compliance or an external playing-rule change.
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What the terms mean.
AWP-specific administrative terms are defined here. Technical playing terms continue to take their meaning from the current World Aquatics rules where AWP does not define them differently.
Actual play
Playing time during which the game clock is running.
AWP
Auckland Water Polo Incorporated.
AWP competition
A competition, event, league or fixture organised or administered by AWP.
Club
An AWP member club eligible to enter the relevant competition.
Competition-specific conditions
Published grade rules, entry conditions, draw information, technical-meeting directions or competition notices.
Competitions Manager
The AWP staff member or delegate responsible for day-to-day competition administration.
DC
A disciplinary or judiciary panel convened by AWP for an independent determination.
Default / forfeit
A failure to fulfil or properly commence a fixture, or an outcome recorded as a forfeit under the Regulations.
Demerit points
Points assigned to misconduct and accumulated under the adopted national disciplinary framework.
Decision of fact
A referee judgement about what occurred during play. A protest cannot merely substitute another view of that decision.
Field of play
The marked water area in which a match is played.
Floater
An approved player who may play for two ranked teams of the same club under the AWP floater rule.
Game record
The official paper or electronic match record.
Loan player
A player remaining registered to one club but approved to play for another club for a specified competition.
Misconduct
Improper behaviour dealt with under the playing rules, demerit system, AWP codes or these Regulations.
Possession
Control of the ball by a team or player as defined by the World Aquatics Rules.
Red card
A referee sanction excluding a player, coach or official from the remainder of the match and potentially creating post-game consequences.
Suspension
A period or number of games during which a person is ineligible to participate in the relevant capacity.
Technical error
An error in administration or rule application by a match official that may be reviewable, as distinct from a decision of fact.
Timeout
A one-minute stoppage available under the applicable playing rules, subject to AWP competition conditions.
Transfer player
A player changing club registration under applicable WPNZ and AWP requirements.
Violent action
Conduct treated as violent action under the current World Aquatics Water Polo Rules.
World Aquatics Rules
The current World Aquatics Competition Regulations, Part Six - Water Polo.
WPNZ
Water Polo New Zealand.
Yellow card
A warning signal issued under the applicable World Aquatics playing rules.
Go to the source.
The website is designed to be the easy one-stop shop, but the governing and reference documents remain available when you need the underlying source.
World Aquatics
Current official technical playing rules for water polo.
Water Polo Rules ↗WPNZ competitions
National competition manuals and resources, including the national framework AWP has adopted for demerits and age eligibility.
WPNZ competitions ↗Disputes & complaints
How to lodge competition disputes, referee complaints, other complaints and appeals.
Open AWP process →Referee complaint
Use AWP’s dedicated referee complaint form where the concern is specifically about refereeing.
Lodge a referee complaint →AWP Regulations PDF
The formal adopted document should mirror this website. Replace this link once the approved PDF is uploaded.
Competition Regulations PDF ↗Competitions Manager
For competition administration, eligibility, rescheduling and competition disputes.
Contact the Competitions Manager →