Fouls and Penalties

Some Minor Fouls

Some Exclusion Fouls

Figures reprinted from the official FINA handbook

Some Minor Fouls

Punishment: Free Throw
Impeding of the prevention of the free movement of an opponent can only occur when the player is not holding the ball. Swimming with the ball (dribbling) is not considered holding the ball.

To take a ball under when tackled
(even if an opponent forces your hand under).

To push off an opponent (with a hand).

Impeding (When a player tries to obtain space for his own play.)

Impeding (to push an opponent backwards with the head).

To push off an opponent (with a foot).

Impeding (swimming across an opponents legs).

Impeding (blocking an opponent from getting the ball).

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Some Exclusion Fouls

Punishment: Exclusion 20 seconds
Depending on whether this is deliberate or not, the punishment could be exclusion for 20 seconds or for the game without replacement.

To hold an opponent
(unless they have possession of the ball).

To pull back an opponent
(unless they have possession of the ball).

To interfere with a free throw.

To sink an opponent
(unless they have possession of the ball).

To deliberately splash an opponent.

To interfere with a free throw.

To strike an opponent.

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