Rules

Overview

The following rules define the structure of play, procedures, and equipment standards for Air Polo. While intended as a global framework, variations may exist depending on governing bodies and specific competition formats.

Game Duration

A standard match consists of four periods, each lasting 12 minutes.

Matches cannot end in a tie. If scores are level at the end of regulation, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner.

Team Composition

Each team fields seven players at a time.

Substitutions are permitted:

After goals
During timeouts
Between periods
In the event of injury

Players may wear protective headgear (Air Polo caps) as required for safety.

Field of Play

The Air Polo field is a controlled three-dimensional play space.

Dimensions: Typically between 20 × 10 m and 30 × 20 m
Minimum vertical space (“air depth”): 3.6 m (12 ft) recommended
Goal size: 3 m wide × 1.8 m high

Environmental conditions (such as air density and temperature) are regulated to ensure consistency and player safety within controlled ranges.

Start of Play

At the beginning of each period and after every goal:

Teams position themselves near their respective goal areas
On the referee’s signal, players accelerate toward the center (“fly-off”)
The ball is released at the midpoint to initiate play

Ball Movement

Players may advance the ball by:

Passing to teammates
Carrying or guiding it while in motion

Scoring

A goal is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and below the crossbar.

Fouls

Due to the physical and spatial nature of the game, fouls may occur.

Most fouls result in a free throw
Direct shots on goal from a free throw are only permitted beyond a defined scoring distance (e.g., 6 meters)

Timeouts

Each team is allowed a limited number of timeouts per match (format-dependent), typically lasting 1–2 minutes.

Substitutions

Substitutions may occur:

Between periods
After goals
During timeouts
For injured players

Substitutions are not permitted during active penalty situations.

End of Match

A match concludes at the end of regulation or overtime when one team has more goals than the other.

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