The Impact of the Change of Water Polo Rules on the Game Dynamics

Abstract

This research aimed to identify a change in the dynamics of the water polo game related to identifying differences in the number of goals scored before and after the introduction of the current 2019 rules. The sample analyzed 96 matches from the 2018 and 2020 European Water Polo Championships. The sample of variables included five variables for both subsamples, which referred to the total number of goals scored in the match, as well as the total number of goals per quarter. By applying the T-test for small independent samples, it was determined that at a statistically significant level, a higher number of goals was achieved in the third and fourth quarters, as well as the total number of goals in the 2020 European Championship in Hungary, compared to the 2018 European Championship in Spain. No statistically significant differences were found in the variables related to the total number of goals in the first and second quarters of the water polo match. The rule change, which came into force in 2019, was driven by changes in the game that directly reflected in a more dynamic game that resulted in more goals per game as well as in the final quarter of the game. These changes were undoubtedly preceded by changes in the total number of attacks, faster swimming, more frequent shots, which should definitely be determined by additional research.

Water Polo Offensive Methods after the 2018 FINA Rules Update

“…Additionally, recent studies found that the change of the direct free-throw line to 6 m away from the goal affected that type of shot frequency [20,21], which was also perceived in the current results, although Serbia tried it more and was efficient. Since in previous research [15] the free throw was the most efficient strategy in even play, the change of its distance does not seem to produce a positive effect.…”

“…The increase in penalties was another effect of the rule changes reported [ 21 ], but, in the current research, they mainly occurred in Croatia’s team. However, results are still in agreement with a study that reported that penalties and power-plays together account for about 56% of goals in elite matches [ 39 ], meaning that more than half of the goals come from disciplinary sanctions for serious fouls.…”

“…According to Gardasevic et al [ 21 ], with the rule changes in reducing the 2nd attack to 20 s, the game started to present more ball possessions. For the authors, this had an impact on the total number of attacks, faster swimming, and more frequent shots, which appear to be associated with the winning teams.…”

“…According to recent research with the new rules framework, counterattack shots, 6 m free throws and center forward shots decreased. Furthermore, those rules led to a greater number of attacks and shots in total, more power-plays and goals scored, being stated that the game became more dynamic and faster [ 20 , 21 , 37 ]. However, the current results lead to induce that, although the game seems more dynamic, with more power-plays, more attacks, and goals, this can mean more time in front of the opponent’s goal (since one offensive sequence can have more than one time extension and shot opportunity) and more game interruptions to replace the ball in the midfield and restart the match.…”

“…Nevertheless, it might be expected that offensive plays of those teams seek drive-in actions towards the goal in a higher percentage than those Eastern European elite teams. According to and taking into account the most recent findings about the influence of changes of the rules in the game [ 6 , 20 , 21 ], and to question whether the new regulation induces a more dynamic and fast game, special attention was given to the following rules changes: (1) reduction to 20 s of the time added for more offensive opportunities after an exclusion foul or shot (2) free throw-line shift from 5 to 6 m and (3) reduction in the time-outs allowed from four to two. Hypothetically, rule changes were not enough to induce a more dynamic game.…”