(f) (Rule i). Ascertain that the captains have agreed upon all preliminaries ; if not, give a decision as per Rule I 1.
(g) (Rule 12). Pay particular attention to see that the latter part of Rule 12 is not infringed. A goal shall not be scored after starting or re-starting until the ball has [also] been handled by an opposing player, or by a player on the same side (i.e. the same side as the player who first handled the ball) who shall be within half distance of the goal attacked. The words within the brackets are explanatory, the spirit of the rule being, that until an opponent has handled the ball, a goal cannot be scored by the side which first gets the ball, except from within half distance of the goal attacked.
(h) (Rule 14). Be careful that no player other than the goal keeper touches the ball with both hands. See that the ' resting ' clause be not abused. The rules only allow standing on the bottom for the purpose of resting, and players must not be allowed to walk about, stand with arms extended, with the object of shadoiring or molesting any player, or be allowed to jump frorr the bottom.
Clauses D and F deal with the fouls most often committed. They do not allow a player to be interfered with or impeded in any way unless he is holding the ball. For definition of holding' see note at foot of Rule 14. Swimming over or by the side of an opponent in such a manner as to prevent free use of the legs, or interfering with the arms in any way before the opponent is actually holding the ball, constitutes a foul.
See that no player holds the rail or side during any part of the game. If this rule be infringed, no matter in what part of the field of play the ball may be, it must be brought back to where the foul occurred.
(Rule 14, Fouls). Clause E has been altered and now reads, ' It shall be a foul to hold the ball under water when tackled.' Therefore, when a player, actually tackled, holds the ball under water, either with the object of sustaining himself or deceiving an opponent, he commits a foul.
(Rule 14, Fouls). Clause i. It is a common practice for some teams to assist one of their men at the start or re-start. This is only indulged in when the start is made away from the wall at the end of the bath. It is a foul and committed wilfully.
It has been ruled that deliberate splashing or dashing water in the face of an opponent when not actually holding the ball is im peding, and is therefore a foul under clause D.
(i) (Rule 17). This rule has been introduced to check the fouling of an opponent when he has a reasonable certainty of scoring. Great power is left in the hands of the referee, and it rests with him to stamp out at once the rough methods of tackling that are now practised. The penalty must in every case be inflicted if the attacking player is wilfully ducked or interfered with when not actually holding the ball and within four yards of goal.
Referees will note that the fact of allowing the penalty necessitates ordering the offender out of the water. The player to whom the penalty is awarded may select any place on the four yard line from which to take his throw. Any intervening player may intercept the throw, providing he does not contravene any of the rules in so doing. The rule dealing with wilful fouls has been altered in order to give the referee the power to order a man out of the water at once for committing any ordinary foul wilfully.
(j) When once a decision has been given, do not allow any player or spectator to question the ruling ; the laws of the Asso ciation definitely state how protests shall be made.
(k) (Rule 18). When a free throw has been awarded, the ball must be considered dead until it has left the hand of the player taking the free throw and on no account allow any player, other than the one taking the throw, to change his position.
(1) (Rule 19). Goal-keepers must not be allowed to throw the ball past the half distance mark. If the ball when thrown by the goal-keeper travel past the half distance, even if it touch the water before reaching half distance, the rule is thereby infringed.
The goal-keeper must not be allowed to play the ball when it is outside the four yard line. The penalty for so doing shall be a free throw to his nearest opponent, and the rule (18) dealing with players remaining in their respective positions, &c., shall apply to the goal-keeper.
In the event of a goal-keeper having being ordered out of the water, the referee shall appoint the nearest back to take the goal throw. Such thrower shall not be entitled to the goal-keeper's privileges, and may not throw beyond half distance.
(m) (Rule 20). It is a corner throw when the ball is thrown by or passes off any player over his own goal line. If the goal-keeper from a goal throw, puts the ball in play and before any other player has handled, takes it again and allows it to pass fully through his goal, a corner throw shall be awarded to the opposing side.
(n) (Rule 21). When the ball goes out of play, the last player it touches must be deemed to have sent it out.
Should the ball strike an obstruction directly over the field of play and rebound back into the water, it shall be considered in play. If it lodges on or in an overhead obstruction it shall be considered out of play, and the referee shall then stop the game and throw the ball into the water under the obstruction on or in which it has lodged.
(o) (Rule 23). Note Rule 23 as to leaving the water and sitting or standing on the steps.