NYC Social Sports Club Rules

• Remember, this is a social league! Keep a relaxed attitude, meet some new people, and have a good time!
• There should be equal co-ed playing time.
• Referees will be judging your Sportsmanship, so be gracious whether you’re winning or losing.
• Our Referees are not professionals. They are people just like you, so please treat them with respect.
• Any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from our leagues, please be respectful!
• Please be on time. We recommend showing up at least 15 minutes early to avoid any problems and the chance of forfeiting.
• All players must shower prior to entering the pool and wear their appropriate color swim cap during game play.

Number of Players

A team consists of 5 players (4 and a goalie, or 5 attackers if goalie is ‘pulled’), but teams may play with a minimum of 4 players. Each team must have a minimum of two woman playing at all times though more are encouraged.

Teams may play down 1 player at 3 men/1 woman. Teams may not play with 4 men/ 0 women.

Substitutions

Substitutions--League Play

If a team is short the required number of players in a regular Season game, the team may invite players from other teams in their division to Subsitute in for their game. Substitutions from outside the division are allowed. For more info and to register as a Substitute, CLICK HERE. Substitutions during the playoffs are not permitted. Substitute players must provide and wear their own swim cap to be eligible to participate.

Substitute players must check in with the Game Coordinator onsite to receive a league issued pinnie to wear in the Game.  Substitute players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator in exchange for the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

In game, teams may switch players on the fly. All replacement players must enter from their team’s goal box.

Substitutions--Game Play

During play, teams may Substitute players at any time, but incoming players must enter the game via their team's goal box.

Game Length and Structure

Each half will be 20 minutes with a continuously running clock. The clock will stop in the last 2 minutes of the game if the score is within 3 goals. Half time will be 3 minutes or less. Teams will change sides at half time. If there are injuries, the clock will not stop and no time will be added to the end of the game due to pool reservation time constraints.

During the regular Season, a game can end on a tie. During the playoffs, all ties at the end of playing time will be broken by a shootout.

GENERAL INNER TUBE WATER POLO RULES

Equipment

NYC Social Sports Club will provide inner tubes, nets, and a game ball for each contest. DO NOT DEFLATE THE INNER TUBES ON PURPOSE. Shoes, hats, casts, shirts, jewelry and/or any other item deemed to be dangerous by a Referee must be removed prior to game play. All players must shower before entering the pool and must wear their team swim cap at all times. If a player is in violation of the equipment rule, they will be ejected from the game and the team will play a man down for 2 minutes.

Inner Tube

All players must sit in a horizontal position, facing up inside the inner tube. If a player falls out of the tube, the player may not participate in the game in any way.

Play Area - Sidelines

The court is the rectangle formed by the pool walls and lane lines. A ball is considered in-bounds until it makes contact with the pool deck or pool surface outside the boundary area. Any shot or pass that ricochets off a diving board, backstroke flags or other pool equipment within the court boundary and lands in-bounds is a live ball. The ball changes possession when it goes out-of-bounds. A player may make a play on a ball outside the play court as long as:

• The ball is in the air
• The player's tube is in-bounds
• The player remains in the tube

Play Area - Goal Box

The goal box is the area between the edge of the pool and 5 feet in front of the goal (a line on the pool may delineate this). Only the goalie is permitted within the goal box. A defensive player may not voluntarily travel inside the goal box to make a defensive play. An infraction results in a penalty shot. If an offensive player shoots the ball and scores a goal while a defensive player is in the box, the score will count and the Referee will start play in the center of the pool again (see Start of Play).

An exception to this is when a defending player is permitted in the goal box to retrieve a ball outside the goalie's reach. The player must give the ball back to the goalie before play resumes. An offensive player may not voluntarily travel inside the goal box to make an offensive play. An infraction results in a free throw by the goalie and any goals scored by an offensive player inside the goal box will be nullified. A ball that travels out-of-bounds within the goal box is given to the goalie for a free throw.

Start of Play

To start each half, and after each goal, both teams line up at opposite ends of the pool along the wall in the goal box. All players, except the goalie, must be in contact with the wall before play begins. The Referee will throw the ball into the center of the pool while simultaneously whistling to begin play. Once the official’s whistle blows, players may start paddling towards the ball. players may push off the wall to start the game.

Stoppage of Play

The Referee blowing his/her whistle always signals an immediate stoppage of play and a dead ball. This can be for free throws, fouls, injuries, penalties, or any other reason the Referee deems necessary. The play also stops if the ball travels out-of-bounds for any reason.

Possession

The last player to make contact with the ball has possession. A player may not hold the ball completely under the water. . Players may not use the pool lanes to pull themselves in the water. Players may not deliberately hold the ball to delay the game. At the Referee’s discretion, a delay of game warning will be issued. Subsequent offenses will result in a delay of game penalty and a free throw for the offensive team. When two opposing players are both in possession of the ball, the ball will be awarded to the offensive team for a free throw.

players move with the ball by:

• Pushing it in the water
• Holding it between their knees
• Gripping it with 2 hands
• Gripping it with 1 hand
• Pressing it against their body
• Holding it in their lap

Contact Between players

A defending player may touch the ball when it is in possession of an opposing player by swatting the ball out of player’s hand.

Flipping is legal. The only permitted contact is pushing down on the top of the tube or lifting straight up from the bottom. DO NOT GRAB AND HOLD ON TO SOMEONE’S TUBE. IT POPS TUBES AND IS DANGEROUS.

Inner tube to inner tube contact is legal. Incidental inner tube to body contact is legal. A defending player may touch the ball when it is in possession of an opposing player by swatting the ball out of player’s hand. Any illegal contact between players will result in a free throw.

• Inner Tube to Inner Tube Contact—LEGAL
• Inner Tube to Body Contact—LEGAL
• Body to Body Contact—ILLEGAL

Bottom line, keep it clean. Do: Make a play on the ball. Do NOT: Tackle the person with the ball.

Offensive Flipping

The person in possession of the ball may flip a defender to defend the ball. If it gets out of hand an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty may be called at the Ref’s discretion.

Defensive Flipping

The defense may ONLY flip the person in direct possession of the ball. Not the person who last touched the ball and not the person about to touch the ball. If it gets out of hand an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty may be called at the ref’s discretion.

Free Throws

Free throws are awarded for violations at the point nearest the spot of the infraction. During a free throw, the person who starts the ball into play has 5 seconds to pass the ball to a teammate. A goal may not be scored until a second offensive player touches the ball after the free throw. The defense must provide 2 feet of space from the point of the free throw. Free throws are awarded in the following scenarios:

• Any offensive player enters the goalie box
• Contact penalties
• The ball goes out-of-bounds
• A ball that goes out in the goal box is given to the goalie for a free throw

Penalty Shots

Penalty shots shall be taken by the offended player one full tube length from the edge of the goal box. No defensive player may be within 2 feet of the shooter. If the result of the penalty shot is not a goal, the ball remains in play (however, in a shootout, the ball is dead if the ball does not go in the net.). A penalty shot will be awarded in the following scenarios:

• A defensive player enters the goal box to make a play
• A goalie abandons his/her tube to block a shot

Goalie

The goalie may not abandon his/her tube in an attempt to block a shot from entering the goal. Goalies do not have to sit in the tube but must have a part of their body in/through it at all times. As stated above, If the goalie leaves his/her tube while blocking a shot on goal, this will result in a Penalty Shot for the offensive team.

The goalie may never pass the ball beyond the mid-pool line.

Goalies may not leave the goal box area during play unless they are properly seated in their inner tube. Once they leave the crease the net is empty and no one else may Sub into the goal position until the next stoppage of play. They may, however, return to the goalie position and resume play as normal.

Once the goalie gains possession of the ball, he/she will have 5 seconds to release the ball. A ball in play may be passed back to the goalie. The goalie will have 5 seconds to release the ball. A goalie can be pulled for another attacking player during normal Substitution times (see Substitutions). Teams must announce to the referee when a goalie is pulled in favor of an additional attacker. If the goalie is pulled in favor of 5 attacking players, players may not enter the goal box to block shots.

Goals

A goal is scored when a legal shot (taken outside the goal box) completely crosses the goal line and hits the net. Shots that hit the metal lip of the pool will not be considered goals unless they bounce into the net. The player scoring a goal must remain in his/her tube after the goal is scored or the score will be disallowed. A shot taken from inside the goal box will be disallowed and the ball will be given to the goalie for a free throw.

After a goal is scored, the Referee will start play in the center of the pool again (see Start of Play).

Penalties

All penalties are administered at the Referee’s discretion. . Penalties where the offending player must sit out and their team must substitute another player into the game until the next stoppage of play:

• Arguing with the official
• Inappropriate language
• Repeated violation of the rules
• Harassment/taunting/heckling
• Incorrectly substituting

2-Minute Penalties

Penalties where the offending team plays a player down for 2 minutes:

• Obvious body contact foul (pushing, tackling, anything deemed “roughing”)
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• 2^nd Substitution penalty

Ejection

Penalties where the offending player is ejected from the facility immediately and the team plays 1 player down for the rest of the game:

• Intentional/malicious flagrant fouls
• Dangerous play
• Malicious actions other than fouls
• Multiple yellow card offenses

Shootouts (Playoffs only)

Games cannot end in a tie during the playoffs, so a shootout will be held if the score is tied at the end of the game. Five players from each team will be selected by the team to shoot (goalkeepers may be one of the shooters). At least 2 men and 2 women must shoot. Each team has a total of 5 penalty shots and will alternate each shot. There are no rebounds. The Referee signals the start of each penalty shot with a whistle blow. teams must have an equal ratio of male to females during penalty shots (e.g., both teams must have either 3 women and 2 men or 3 men and 2 women shooting).

Teams must alternate genders and the selected shooters do not have to have been in the pool at the end of play (they can be Substitutes). Goalies must be the same as the goalies from the end of play.

A coin flip or another creative method of determining order will decide which team shoots first.

If the score is tied at the end of the first shootout, a ‘sudden-death’ shootout will ensue: Once one team leads after an equal number of shots have taken, the game is over. Only players who shot in the first round are eligible to shoot in the second round. The order established in the first round will be maintained in the second round.

Forfeits

Teams should report to the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of their game.

A game will be ruled a forfeit if any of the following occur:

- No one from one of the teams is present at game time

- The minimum number of players are not present

- Not enough registered (subs) or rostered female players (1) are present

- Improper conduct by one or more players on any team

Teams will receive a forfeit loss of 3-0 in the official standings, if they have not shown up by the scheduled game time.

If the team still cannot meet the minimum requirement after 10 minutes, the entire match will be called a forfeit. Exceptions can be made if a team is waiting on a couple of players (e.g. transit issues) with the understanding that the delay will cut time from the end of their game, and that the final decision is Subject to the Referee’s discretion.

Sportsmanship points will be deducted from teams that forfeit a game due to a 'no-show' or a 'low-show.' Teams can minimize the deduction by Contacting Us ahead of time. Teams will receive:

• 3.5 Sportsmanship points when contacting us before a forfeit of any kind.
• 3 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'low-show' forfeit.
• 2.5 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'no-show' forfeit.

Inclement Weather

In the event of heavy rain or snow that results in the conditions of a game being unsafe or travel being unsafe, NYC Social Sports Club will update the Weather Line (347.878.9032) with any postponements at least 90 minutes before game time. Any games postponed for weather will be pushed back to the following week or made up during the week if possible.

In the event the games have been started and then have to be called off due to inclement weather while underway, the games will be restarted from kickoff if they are still in the first half, or restarted at the second half, if they have completed the first half. Any games that have begun and then postponed for weather will be pushed back to the following week or made up during the week if possible.

Season Abandonment

Registered teams that miss two weeks of play will be considered to have abandoned their place in the league. Teams in this category will be contacted by a NYC Social Sports Club staff member to confirm their status. Teams failing to respond within two business days will be removed from the Season schedule and will forfeit their registration fees. Teams that do respond will be required to supply reasoning for lack of attendance and petition the league for reinstatement. Season abandonment and reactivation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the league management and must be resolved before returning to play in the current Season or in Subsequent Seasons.

Alcohol, Controlled Substance, and Safety Policy

Individuals (players, fans, or friends of players) will, at the discretion of NYC Social Sports Club, be ejected immediately if any of the following are true:

• suspected of excessive pre-Game alcohol consumption
• suspected of abusing a controlled Substance
• deemed unruly or a danger to themselves or others at any time

Anyone who is ejected from one of our venues or sponsor bars will be required to petition the Club for reinstatement before participating in or attending any Subsequent NYC Social Sports Club event. Team(s) associated with the offending player, friend, or fan will lose 2 Sportsmanship points from its Sportsmanship Rating.

These policies are in place for the safety, enjoyment, and continued camaraderie of all players, the sponsoring venues, sponsor bars, and the entire Club.

Sportsmanship Score

A Sportsmanship score (SP) is given to every team after every Game, and is factored into overall league ranking. Teams (and their fans) begin with a ‘5.0’ and are deducted for policy infractions, poor attitudes, low attendance, or absence as described below. Any team receiving a score below 3.5 must email info@nycsocialsportsclub.comto explain their actions and receive official approval prior to participating in future Club Games, leagues, or hosted events.

• 5.0 – Exemplary Conduct - Always cooperative with Gamestaff and other players. Rule interpretation and call discussions always polite. Captain has full control of players & fans.
• 4.5 – Good, Not Great - Minor taunting, running up the score, excessive celebration, or other actions which diminish overall fun.
• 4.0 – Passable Conduct - Team complains about Gamestaff decisions and/or shows minor dissent.
• 3.5 – Needs Improvement, Without Penalty - Team frequently complains or is unpleasant, but no penalties are assessed. Teams alerting the office by 3pm the day of a Forfeit (Friday for weekend Games) will receive a ‘3.5’.
• 3.0 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty - Team verbally argues or is disrespectful. Captain helps control team. Teams not providing timely notice prior to 'low-show' Forfeits receive a ‘3.0’.
• 2.5 – Two Penalties, No Ejection - No more than two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Captain attempts to help. Teams not providing timely notice prior to no-show Forfeits receive a ‘2.5’.
• 2.0 – Single Ejection - Team has multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and/or player gets ejected.
• 1.5 – Single Ejection (Involving Captain) - Captain is ejected or is part of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
• 1.0 – Multiple Ejections - Captain has no control of team and/or is unwilling to work with Staff. Team receives a Forfeit loss.
• 0.5 – Multiple Ejections (Involving Captain) - Captain has no control of self or team. Team receives a Forfeit loss.
• 0.0 – Game Discontinued - Physical confrontation, multiple ejections, or poor behavior resulting in discontinuation of Game.

Note: Teams that do not arrive to the game with the appropriate colored swim caps will be docked a half a point (.5) for each missing swim cap from their earned Sportsmanship Rating. Any team that has two (2) ejections for unsportsmanlike conduct during the same contest will receive a loss and a '1' in sportsmanship rating, plus their team captain will be required to send an email to NYC Social Sports Club regarding why his team should be allowed back.

Ejected Participants

Any ejected individual must get approval by NYC Social Sports Club prior to attending or participating in future Club Games, leagues, or hosted events, including Post-Game Parties. Attempted participation without approval is subject to further penalties. Rulings may include, but are not limited to, probation, Game/league suspension, or permanent expulsion.

PLAYOFFS

Regular Season team standings are determined by 1) number of wins, 2) Sportsmanship, and 3) point differential.

teams not advancing to the Playoffs will be awarded a Consolation Game.

Top teams will advance to the Playoffs – typically a single elimination tournament – where they will compete for first, second, and third place medals and prizes. Please note: Spirit and Bar Awards are given to deserving teams, regardless of ranking.

To be eligible for Playoffs, teams must have an average Sportsmanship rating of at least ‘4.0’ and cannot have forfeited more than one game during the regular Season. Sorry, no Substitute players are allowed in the Playoffs. Any team receiving less than ‘3.5’ Sportsmanship in a Playoff game forfeits its spot in the bracket, plus they must receive approval from NYC Social Sports Club prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

All registered players must be on their team’s roster and wearing the appropriately colored swim cap to participate. Sorry, no substitute players are allowed in the Playoffs.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!

THIS IS A SOCIAL LEAGUE: Have fun and make new friends. The game may or may not go your way, but the beer is still cold and cheap afterwards!