Game Fundamentals

NFHS Overtime Rules

These procedures should be used unless specifically stated otherwise:

If the score after the four (4) regulation periods is tied, then there is a 5:00 interval time, followed by two (2) overtime periods.

The two (2) overtime periods are 3:00 standard periods, with an interval of 2:00 between these periods

If the teams are tied after the standard periods, then 3:00 sudden-victory periods take effect until there is a score. 

There is a coin toss before the first sudden-victory period during the two (2) minute interval time, and then teams switch sides after each period. The interval between each sudden-victory period is 2:00.

Each team receives one (1) full timeout for the entirety of overtime.

• Full timeouts from regulation do not carry into overtime if unused.

If a team has not used their 30-second timeout during regulation, this does carry over into overtime.

Tournament Rules

These procedures should be used unless specifically stated otherwise.

Protests

These procedures should be used unless specifically stated otherwise:

Per the rulebook,

• Judgement calls are not subject to protest.

• Protests may be lodged only for potential misapplication of the rules, equipment malfunction, errors in recording information, or other desk errors, including timing errors.

A coach filing a protest must do so at the time of the incident, at the next goal or next time-out or start of the next period, whichever comes first. If an incident occurs in the fourth period, a coach should follow the same procedures or has until five minutes after the game, whichever occurs first. If a coach fails to notify the referee by this procedure, the opportunity to protest is lost.

Protest policy:

Regular Season (weeknight games and weekend tournaments)

• If a coach wishes to protest, they should approach the official as stated above. If they fail to do so by the appropriate time, then opportunity to protest is lost.

• The official should ensure that the protest is logged in the game sheet and should write a description of the protest. This should not take more than five (5) minutes.

  • Describe the incident and nature of the protest in writing, including the specific rule in question.

  • The head referee shall notify the opposing team's coach of the protest.

  • Video evidence cannot be used.

•  Then, the game should resume as normal. At the earliest opportunity (between quarters or after the game), the official should notify PAWPRA leadership of this protest and the details.

  • As soon as able, call leadership - Alex High, Jason Grubb, or Bill Hence

• For weekend tournament play, the head site referee should be involved in protest decision-making.

Post-Season

If a coach wishes to protest, the protest will immediately be ruled on by the Tournament Review Committee.

• Describe the incident and nature of the protest in writing, including the specific rule in question.

• Video evidence cannot be used.

• The Tournament Review Committee is comprised of the PA State Water Polo Commissioner, PA State Water Polo Vice President, and a representative from the PAWPRA.