WP23 Penalty Fouls
WP 23.1 It shall be a penalty foul to commit any of the following offences (WP 23.2 to WP 23.9), which shall be punished by the award of a penalty throw to the opposing team.
WP 23.2 (see 2023 update below) For a defending player to commit any foul within the 6 metre area but for which a goal would probably have resulted.
[NOTE: In addition to other offences preventing a probable goal, it is an offence within the meaning of this Rule:
(a) for a goalkeeper or other defending player to pull down or otherwise displace the goal (figure 20);
(b) for a defending player to attempt to block a shot or pass with two hands (figure 21);
(c) for a defending player to play the ball with a clenched fist (figure 22);
(d) for a goalkeeper or other defending player to take the ball under the water when tackled.
It is important to note that while the fouls described above, and other fouls such as holding, pulling back, impeding, etc., would normally be punished by a free throw (and exclusion if appropriate), they become penalty fouls if committed within the 6 metre area by a defending player if a probable goal would otherwise have been scored.]
- (Updated 2023 rule) WP23.2 Penalty fouls: The referee can delay whistling and wait to see if the attacking player scores a goal in the same action. If the player does not score, the referee should award the penalty. The referee may raise an arm indicating a possible penalty.
WP 23.3 For a defending player within the 6 metre area to kick or strike an opponent or commit an act of brutality. In the case of brutality, the offending player shall also be excluded from the remainder of the game, and a substitute may enter the field of play after four minutes of actual play have elapsed, in addition to the award of the penalty throw. If the offending player is the goalkeeper, a substitute goalkeeper may be changed for another player in accordance with WP 5.6.
WP 23.4 For an excluded player intentionally to interfere with play, including affecting the alignment of the goal.
WP 23.5 For a goalkeeper or any other defending player to pull over the goal completely with the object of preventing a probable goal. The offending player shall also be excluded from the remainder of the game, with substitution after the earliest occurrence referred to in WP 22.3.
WP 23.6 For a player or substitute who is not entitled under the Rules to participate in the play at that time to enter the field of play. The offending player shall also be excluded from the remainder of the game with substitution. The substitute may enter the field of play after the earliest occurrence referred to in WP 22.3.
WP 23.7 For the coach, or any team official of the team not in possession of the ball to request a timeout. No personal foul shall be recorded for this offence.
WP 23.8 (See 2023 updated rule below) For the coach, any team official, or player to take any action with intent to prevent a probable goal or to delay the game. No personal foul shall be recorded for this offence for the coach or any team official.
- (Updated 2023 rule) WP23.8 A penalty may be awarded if a defending player deliberately throws the ball away to prevent a probable goal, including if he flicks it into the six metre area to prevent a direct shot.
WP 23.9 (See 2023 updated rule below) For a defending player to impede an attacking player from behind within the 6 metre area when the attacking player is facing the goal and making a shooting action. If the defending player’s actions prevent the attacking player from shooting, a penalty must also be called.
[NOTE: The referees must award a penalty unless the attacking player scores.]
(2023 updated rule) WP23.9 If a defender fouls from behind as described in WP23.9, the referee must delay the penalty call until the attempted shot is completed. The referee must award a penalty unless the attacking player scores.
WP 23.10 If, in the last minute of the game, a penalty throw is awarded to a team, the coach may elect to maintain possession of the ball and be awarded a free throw. The timekeeper recording possession time shall reset the clock to 20 seconds,
[NOTE: It is the responsibility of the coach to give a clear signal without delay if the team wishes to maintain possession of the ball in accordance with this Rule.]
2023 LEN Instructions
- LEN Instruction 3: Penalty foul if the goalkeeper puts the ball under water within the rectangular area two metres outside the goal posts and out to his six metre line. Exclusion foul if he commits any tactical foul outside this area. Ordinary foul if he puts the ball under outside this area when challenged.
- LEN Instruction 4: Penalty foul if an excluded player goes towards his re-entry area and, before reaching it, returns to the game after his team gain possession. As there has been a change of possession, this player will remain on the field of play during the penalty throw.