BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) reminds teams of the directives from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regarding uniform numbers, colors, clarity and messaging for water polo.
1. What words, logos and symbols are allowed on the swimsuit and cap?
Other than the uniform number (on the cap), here are the only items allowed by rule on the swimsuit and cap (Rule 1-21-c and Rule 2-4):
- Words permitted on the cap:
- Logos permitted on the swimsuit:
- School
- Mascot
- Memorial
- Manufacturer’s Logo
- Logos permitted on the cap
- School
- Mascot
- Manufacturer’s Logo
2. What size restrictions are there for these?
Any of these items on the swimsuit and cap may not cover an area larger than 2 1/4 square inches (Rule 1-21, Rule 2-4-2).
3. Are any words other than the school’s name allowed on the cap?
No, the rules do not permit any other words to be placed on the cap.
4. May the swimsuit contain any other words, slogans, messaging, etc.?
No, the swimsuit is restricted to the items listed above.
5. Are words allowed on wristbands and other attachments?
The rules do not specifically address the use of wristbands or other attachments, however, items likely to cause injury must be removed (e.g., watches, jewelry). (Rule 2-4)
6. What about messaging for causes, organizations, etc.?
The rules do not specifically address words or symbols that reference charitable causes, political candidates or political issues, social media, religious or club affiliation, etc.
7. How does the unsportsmanlike acts rule apply?
If the actions of a head coach, assistant coach, other team officials on the bench, individual players on the bench or in the water are disruptive, the referee may issue a yellow or red card at any time from 30 minutes before the game to five minutes after the conclusion of the game (Rule3-6-3).
8. What are the rules about cap colors for opposing teams?
By rule, all field players and goalkeepers must meet the same swimsuit standard (Rule 2-4-1). The cap of the visiting team shall be solid white, but may have the listed logos on the middle panel (Rule1-21-a).
9. What are the rules about the contrast of caps and numbers?
If a team’s caps do not meet specifications in the rules book regarding the cap color, the team will be required to change caps unless there is mutual agreement of both teams that the game will be played with nonconforming caps and with the agreement of the referees that the cap numbers are clearly visible. Otherwise, the game will be declared a forfeit and the incident reported to the conference commissioner(s) as defined in Rule 3-13-1b (Rule 2-26).
10. What is the penalty for wearing a cap that does not contrast?
If the teams do not agree to play using nonconforming caps with the agreement of the referees, the game will be declared a forfeit and the incident will be reported to the conference commissioner(s) as defined in 3-13-1b (Rule 2-26).
11. What is the purpose of the rules regarding numbering and visibility?
The rules for contrasting numbers and visibility are intended to provide clearly visible numbers for the stakeholders: coaches, fans, media, television audience, etc. This meansthat the numbers should be clearly visible at a distance under a variety of weather and lighting conditions.
12. What is the rule regarding refusal to play?
A game may be declared a forfeit:
- 1. If a team is not ready to start the game within 30 minutes of the announced starting time, unless there is mutual consent between the competing institutions to wait an additional period of time or to reschedule;
- 2. When a team fails to comply with the water polo rules after the pregame meeting; or
- 3. When a team decides for any reason not to start or complete the game. (Rule 3-13-1)
Information courtesy the National Collegiate Athletic Association
