Coaching hub
Short guides for the calls you will meet in a game. Pick a topic, read a real example, then open the numbered rule when you need the full wording.
These are learning notes, not the official rules. Referees and event organisers apply the current rules and any competition-specific guidance.
Quick guides
Each team can list up to eight players for a game, with no more than five in the playing area at once.
Your sixth player waits in the substitute area until a teammate has left the playing area.
Count the players on the water before entering.
Open official rule 10.1The normal format is two ten-minute periods. Competition rules allow shorter periods of at least seven minutes; teams change ends after each period.
At half-time, check the event schedule and swap ends before play restarts.
The referee can call time-out; the clock restarts on the referee’s whistle.
Open official rule 10.2The whole ball must pass through the front plane of the opponents’ goal frame.
A shot rebounds off the front of the frame and stays on the pitch: play continues; it has not crossed the goal plane.
Wait for the referee’s goal signal and whistle.
Open official rule 10.8Once you gain possession, release the ball within five seconds by passing it or making a throw that travels at least one metre.
You collect the ball from the water: pass to a teammate promptly instead of holding it while deciding where to go.
Possession includes a ball in your hand, within hand’s reach on the water, or balanced on your paddle.
Open official rule 10.20When the ball crosses a sideline, the team that did not touch it last gets the sideline throw. Goal-line and corner decisions depend on the last touch and where it went out.
Your paddle sends the ball across the sideline: the other team takes the throw.
Stop and follow the referee’s direction for the restart.
Open official rule 10.5Do not contact an opponent’s body with your paddle, play their paddle instead of the ball, or use your paddle in a way that endangers anyone.
An opponent reaches for a ball beside their kayak: do not swing your paddle across their bow to play it.
The goalkeeper has a specific exception for defending a shot; read the full rule for its limits.
Open official rule 10.19A hand tackle is a one-hand push on a player who has the ball. Contact must be with an open hand to the back, upper arm or side and must not endanger them.
The player has already passed: do not push them. They no longer have possession.
Never strike or pull back a throwing arm from the side or behind.
Open official rule 10.21A kayak tackle is contact with another kayak while competing for the ball. Contact that endangers a player, hits their head or body, or targets someone too far from the ball is illegal.
An opponent is well away from the ball: do not drive your kayak into theirs to block their route.
Control speed and angle; safety takes priority over winning possession.
Open official rule 10.22A free shot may go directly at goal. A free throw, including sideline, corner, goal-line and centre restarts, cannot score directly.
Your team has a sideline throw: pass first rather than shooting straight at goal.
Watch the referee’s signal before taking the restart.
Open official rule 10.30–10.31No guides match those filters. Try another search or reset the filters.
On the water
Learn what each signal looks like and what it means during play. These simplified club illustrations follow the 20 numbered hand signals in chapter 15 of the 2025 ICF rules. The referee’s decision and the official wording take precedence.
Game flow
Look for One bent arm shows an open palm beside the head; the other arm points along the pitch.
It means Look for the referee’s next direction or decision.
Official signal 1Game flow
Look for Both arms cross in front of the chest, palms facing out.
It means The half or game has finished; stop play.
Official signal 2Scoring
Look for Both arms extend together towards the centre of the pitch, palms touching.
It means A goal has been awarded. Wait for the centre restart.
Official signal 3Scoring
Look for Open arms cross repeatedly low in front of the thighs.
It means The apparent goal does not count; follow the restart decision.
Official signal 4Restarts
Look for One arm points to the sideline; the other shows the direction of play.
It means The referee has awarded a sideline or corner restart.
Official signal 5Restarts
Look for An open hand points along the goal line while the other arm shows direction.
It means A team restarts from its goal line.
Official signal 6Game flow
Look for The hands form a T above the head.
It means The clock is stopped until play is restarted.
Official signal 7Restarts
Look for Both arms extend forward at shoulder height with clenched fists and thumbs raised.
It means The referee will put the ball back into play between opponents.
Official signal 8Fouls
Look for A clenched fist is held high, then the referee points to the free-shot position.
It means A player has illegally blocked an opponent’s progress.
Official signal 9Fouls
Look for A clenched fist rests against the hip, followed by a point to the free-shot position.
It means The referee has penalised a kayak tackle.
Official signal 10Fouls
Look for Five fingers are spread beside the head, then the referee points to the free-shot position.
It means The ball has been held too long or possession was otherwise illegal.
Official signal 11Fouls
Look for One hand chops against the other upper arm; the other arm shows the direction of play.
It means The referee has penalised dangerous or illegal paddle use.
Official signal 12Game flow
Look for A bent arm circles across the body at hip height.
It means Play continues because stopping it would disadvantage the non-offending team.
Official signal 13Restarts
Look for An open hand points along the pitch in the direction of play.
It means A team has a free throw; a goal cannot be scored directly from it.
Official signal 14Restarts
Look for One index finger points towards the attacking goal.
It means A team has a free shot and may shoot directly.
Official signal 15Scoring
Look for Both index fingers point together towards the goal.
It means A goal penalty shot has been awarded.
Official signal 16Discipline
Look for A green, yellow or red card is held above the shoulder while the other arm points to the player.
It means The referee is sanctioning the player indicated by the other arm.
Official signal 17Discipline
Look for An index finger is waved from side to side.
It means The referee has identified unsporting conduct.
Official signal 18Fouls
Look for A raised clenched fist moves up and down, then the referee points to the free-shot position.
It means The referee has penalised holding or a hand tackle.
Official signal 19Discipline
Look for A red card is held above the head with the arms crossed and fists clenched.
It means The player has been ejected; listen for the referee’s verbal call.
Official signal 20No signals match those filters. Try another search or reset the filters.