Contact and safetyRule 10.10.2–10.10.9
Moving or unbalancing a positioned goalkeeper without the ball is an illegal tackle. The rule also covers players pushed into the goalkeeper, whether they could avoid contact, and what happens when the goalkeeper reaches for a ball on the water.
See an example and key point
In a game
An attacker drives directly into a protected goalkeeper who has no possession.
Remember
Who caused contact and whether the players could avoid it can change the decision.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.11
A referee's ball can be called after opposing players firmly share possession for five seconds, or when the referee stops play through no team's fault and cannot determine previous possession. The restart has set positions at the sideline.
See an example and key point
In a game
Two opponents keep hands firmly on the ball for five seconds.
Remember
Other players must stay at least three metres from the point between the two contestants.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.12
Before blowing the whistle, referees can let play continue when that benefits the team that suffered a foul. They signal and call play on for at most five seconds, and may return to the original infringement if the advantage does not materialise.
See an example and key point
In a game
A defender fouls a player but their teammate has a clear scoring opportunity, so play continues.
Remember
A card for the foul may still follow at the next break.
Contact and safetyRule 10.13
A player who capsizes and leaves the kayak must leave the playing area with all equipment and take no further part until re-entering under the entry rules. Outside assistance or interference can lead to a penalty.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player swims their kayak and paddle off the pitch after a capsize.
Remember
Re-entry follows the normal entry and substitution rules.
Substitutions and time-outsRule 10.14
Substitutions may happen at any time, including time-outs, at the team's own goal line. The outgoing player's entire kayak and equipment must leave before the substitute enters. Special restrictions apply after a capsize away from that goal line.
See an example and key point
In a game
Your teammate exits fully over your own goal line before you enter.
Remember
Substitutes wait in their own substitute area, and exchanged equipment must be approved.
Substitutions and time-outsRule 10.14.5, 3.4
A player may leave the playing area to exchange any piece of equipment at any time if the replacement has been approved by the scrutineer. The player collects it from their own substitute area.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player exits to collect an approved replacement paddle.
Remember
The exchange does not bypass normal player-number and entry rules.
Substitutions and time-outsRule 10.15
Electrical assistance may not be used to direct or communicate with players during a game, apart from communication by competition officials. The capsize rule also addresses illegal outside help and interference.
See an example and key point
In a game
A team cannot use an electronic device to guide players on the pitch.
Remember
Competition officials' communications are the stated exception.
Getting startedRule 10.16
The timekeeper's loud signal ends a period, confirmed by the referee. A ball already in flight towards goal may finish its path if it left the hand before the signal. A penalty shot awarded before the end signal is completed.
See an example and key point
In a game
A shot leaves a player's hand just before the hooter and reaches the goal afterwards.
Remember
The ball must have left the hand before the signal to score.
Getting startedRule 10.17
Overtime consists of consecutive five-minute periods. The first team to score wins. There is a three-minute break before overtime and a one-minute break between periods, with ends changing.
See an example and key point
In a game
A knockout game stays level, so teams take a break and start a five-minute overtime period.
Remember
The first overtime goal decides the game.
Substitutions and time-outsRule 10.18
A team cannot have more players on the pitch than allowed. An illegally entering player receives a sanction card. A substitute who puts a paddle into play to stop a goal faces the special penalty and ejection provisions.
See an example and key point
In a game
A sixth teammate enters before the outgoing kayak has fully left.
Remember
A substitute reaching in with a paddle to prevent a goal has a much more serious consequence.
Contact and safetyRule 10.19, 10.25
A defender's hand or paddle held stationary beyond an attacker's arm's reach is not automatically a foul when the attacker deliberately moves into it. The goalkeeper has a separate stationary-paddle exception when directly defending a shot, subject to the conditions in rule 10.19.
See an example and key point
In a game
An attacker shoots into a defender's still paddle positioned beyond reach.
Remember
Movement towards the thrower or dangerous contact changes the decision.
Contact and safetyRule 10.19
Do 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.
See an example and key point
In a game
An opponent reaches for a ball beside their kayak: do not swing your paddle across their bow to play it.
Remember
The goalkeeper has a specific exception for defending a shot; read the full rule for its limits.
