GSWP 56 – Referee interpretation from the 2008 Olympics

Referee Report from the 2008 Olympic Games by Guy Pinker (FINA International Referee).

Rule interpretations.

1. STARTING GAME AND NEW QAURTER.
The referees stand on their respective attacking 5 meter line. The referee opposite the table will indicate by raising their arm vertically when that team is ready to start and table side referee will make sure that other team is ready and then lower arm and whistle simultaneously to start. Note! The starting referee should delay 1 or 2 seconds in starting to make sure that the teams do not break early.

2. ACTION, PROVOCATION & SIMULATION.
It is very important that the referee whistles the first foul and acts in accordance of the rules. EG: Exclusion, Contra or ordinary foul. This will avoid the incorrect decision being called (provocation). In the case of “simulation” by a player to gain advantage a contra foul may be awarded or an exclusion foul.

3. 2 METER LINE.
This is normally at a man up situation where the post players and wings drift into the 2 meter area and stay there to draw a defender even though these player/s have no influence on the game they are gaining additional advantage and a contra foul must be whistled.

4. PENALTY THROWS.
If the trailing referee can see that the attacking referee needs assistance with the taking of the throw, then they should go and stand on the goal line to make sure that the goalkeeper is on their line. Note! The penalty taker cannot launch them into the 5 meter after taking the throw and if this occurs then no goal must be given.

5. CONTRA / EXCLUSION FOULS OFF THE BALL.
These fouls must be whistled if players gain additional advantage.

Yours in polo
Marius Buys
Chairman
9 September 2008
buysm@stdavids.co.za
076 800 6983