Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.26
Unsporting behaviour includes dissent, retaliation, abusive language, delaying a restart, interfering with equipment, and hindering a player who is righting after a capsize. The referee decides other conduct harmful to the game's spirit.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player throws the ball away to delay the opponents' free throw.
Remember
A capsized player must get their head and both shoulders above water before another tackle is attempted.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.27
A team playing by dishonourable means can be referred to the Competition Committee, which may take action up to disqualification. Concerns about referee appointments should be raised by team leaders with the Chief Official or Technical Organiser.
See an example and key point
In a game
A team leader raises an appointment concern through the permitted officials rather than confronting a referee manager.
Remember
The Competition Committee decides the outcome; disqualification is possible, not automatic.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.28
Depending on severity and frequency, a referee may combine free throws, free shots, goal penalty shots and sanction cards. The rule defines deliberate and dangerous fouls, significant contact, near-certain goals and ball control.
See an example and key point
In a game
A deliberate dangerous foul may bring both a restart and a card.
Remember
The referee considers the specific foul and circumstances; no single sanction fits every case.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.29
Inside six metres, a deliberate or dangerous foul on a player shooting, or passing or positioning for a near-certain goal, can bring a goal penalty shot. Related cases outside six metres require a near-certain goal and an undefended goal.
See an example and key point
In a game
A defender dangerously fouls a shooter inside six metres and the referee awards a penalty shot.
Remember
The location, type of foul and likelihood of a goal matter.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.30–10.31
A free shot may go directly at goal. A free throw, including sideline, corner, goal-line and centre restarts, cannot score directly.
See an example and key point
In a game
Your team has a sideline throw: pass first rather than shooting straight at goal.
Remember
Watch the referee’s signal before taking the restart.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.30
A free shot can be taken directly at goal. It is awarded for a foul on a player unless a goal penalty shot is awarded. The referee shows signal 15.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player is fouled while contesting possession and receives a free shot.
Remember
Follow the separate taking-throws rules before the ball is in play.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.31
A free throw cannot score directly. It covers balls out of play and situations where neither a free shot nor goal penalty shot is awarded. Sideline, goal-line, corner and centre restarts count as free throws.
See an example and key point
In a game
Your team takes a sideline throw after an opponent sends the ball out.
Remember
A direct goal from a free throw is not allowed.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.32
Sanction cards apply to individuals. In a game a player can progress from green to yellow to red, or receive an ejection red card. A referee can move directly to a higher level for a serious deliberate foul.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player already on yellow commits another card offence and receives red.
Remember
Ejection red is a separate route with its own suspension and replacement rules.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.33
A sanctioned player may be excluded for up to two minutes without replacement, giving the opponents a numerical advantage. In qualifying cases, an opposition goal permits the excluded player or teammate to return; this does not apply to an ejection red card.
See an example and key point
In a game
The opponents score during a qualifying temporary power play, ending the first exclusion.
Remember
Time-out and breaks suspend the power-play timer.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.34
An ejection red card sends a player off for the rest of the game without replacement and brings an automatic suspension for the next game in that competition. It is distinct from a third sanction card that is red.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player is ejected for a serious personal attack and cannot be replaced.
Remember
The referee gives signal 20 and states ejection red; do not confuse it with a normal red sanction card.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.35
A sanction card can follow repeated deliberate fouls, dangerous contact, some fouls leading to a goal penalty shot, delaying or disputing decisions, abusive language and other specified acts. The card level depends on the circumstances and prior cards.
See an example and key point
In a game
A player repeatedly disputes a referee's decision and is shown a card.
Remember
A player sent off must follow entry rules before returning when eligible.
Fouls and penaltiesRule 10.36
A coach or captain can ask about a specific decision at an appropriate break, including half-time, full-time or when the ball is out. Coaches and team officials must not interrupt referees' duties or behave disrespectfully.
See an example and key point
In a game
At half-time, a coach asks for clarification of a decision calmly.
Remember
The rule has a shared green warning for coaches and officials, then an ejection red card for a further offence.
