B.O.A. Rules
Please note that these rules are not completely up to date: up-to-date B.O.A. rules will be posted here as soon as possible.
| Also see: | "The Very First Rules" |
CMAS
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The sport of Octopush may be played in any swimming pool, or part thereof. The dimensions of the playing area to be as near as possible to 25 metres long, 12 metres wide and 2 metres deep.
The playing area shall be marked out, where possible, to the specifications shown in figure 1.
The scoring area is a "Gulley" which is 3 metres wide, 120mm from front to back and 20mm deep, situated on the pool bottom in the centre of each end of the playing area. To form the Gulley, it may be:
Built into the bottom of the pool.
A metal frame, with either closed or open ends (fig. 2), with all sharp edges protected.
Marked by posts 500mm high, held to the bottom by suckers or weights, and placed 3 metres apart against the centre of both ends of the playing area.
The circular lead based solid disc employed is called a "Squid" (fig 3), which may be slightly concave or convex on the top or bottom.
The diameter of the Squid Shall be 80mm (±4mm).
The thickness of the Squid shall be 30mm (+4mm -2mm).
The weight of the Squid shall be 1.3 kilograms ± 0.2 kg.
As a means of protection, the Squid shall be covered by suitable protective materials, provided that the final dimensions conform to those specified.
The stick is called a "Pusher" (fig 4) and shall be made of wood, plywood or other homogeneous material that floats horizontally.
The Pusher shall conform to the dimensions as described below. As figure 4 is only a guide, other knobs, holes and indentations, not illustrated, are also permitted.
Maximum distance between any two points of the playing area: 220mm
Maximum recess on any part of the playing area as measured perpendicular to a straight line touching any two parts of the playing area: 15mm
Minimum corner radius around the perimeter edge of the entire pusher: 10mm
Minimum edge radius of any intersecting surfaces: 2mm
Minimum width of demarcation line to separate the playing area and the handle: 10mm
Thickness of the playing area of the pusher shall be: min. 15mm max. 20mm
The playing area of the Pusher must be uniformly black or white.
The handle of the Pusher must not protrude from the heel of the hand or gloved hand by more than 25mm.
A wrist lanyard may be attached to the handle to secure the Pusher to the playing hand.
The Pusher may be taped to the playing hand.
The pusher may be of any shape or design within the dimensions given. Knobs on the stick are allowed
The demarcation line is part of the pusher handle and shall be a contrasting colour to that of the playing area.
The pusher shall not be capable of surrounding, encapsulating or locking the puck to the playing area by the incorporation of holes, cavities and/or deep recesses.
An Octopush team is composed of 10 members, consisting of 6 Players and 4 Substitutes.
In the event of illness or an injury to team members during the course of a Match or Tournament, those team members may be replaced, with the Chief Referee's permission, for the duration of the event.
Any player so replaced, may not take an further part in that match or tournament.
For a tournament, a team may bring up to 12 players. From this number, a team of up to 10 members must be declared for any one game within the tournament.
Each player shall be equipped with the following:
A mask, which must have safety glass or other safety material fitted and may have corrected lenses.
A non-metal snorkel.
A pair of conventional rubber or approved synthetic fins, free from buckles, burrs and sharp edges.
A pusher of approved material, size, shape and colour.
A numbered cap of approved colour.
A protective glove may be worn on the playing hand, provided it contains no rigid or sharp reinforcing.
A cap fitted with ear protectors MUST be worn on the head, matching the colour of the pusher being used. Dark blue caps may be worn to match black pushers when black caps are unavailable.
Protective padding may be worn, provided it is constructed of soft materials.
All personal and team equipment must have the prior approval of the Chief Referee.
For team identification, one team shall use white Pushers and the opposing team shall use black Pushers. All team members should wear identical bathing suits with respect to design and colour.
Team captains are required to wear some form of identification (e.g. an armband).
All members of each team shall wear identification caps with ear protectors, either in black (or dark blue) or white, to match the colour of Pusher being used by that team. The caps must have ten (10) unique numbers for the identification of players, i.e., any number may be used, but no two similar numbers may be used in the same team.
The officials required for an Octopush match are:
a Chief <P12>Referee<P255>
two Water Referees
a Timekeeper/Recorder.
The officials shall be qualified to the standards required by the B.O.A.
If necessary, other officials may be appointed, but will have no direct authority,and will only execute their duties through the Chief Referee.
The officials shall have available to them the following equipment:
The Chief Referee shall be equipped with the means of creating signals both above and below the surface of the water and a current set of playing and competition rules.
The Water Referees shall be equipped with the following:
A mask, which must have safety glass or other safety material fitted and should have corrected lenses if spectacles are normally worn.
A non-metal snorkel.
A pair of conventional rubber or approved synthetic fins, free from buckles, burrs and sharp edges.
Yellow T-shirt or similar suitable yellow top.
Brightly coloured gloves.
A red cap fitted with ear protectors.
The Timekeeper shall be equipped with suitable timing facilities sufficient to time both the match and at least two players sent out of the water for time penalties.
The Recorder shall be equipped with suitable means of keeping a written record of the match and a scoreboard which is visible from all parts of the poolside.
The Chief Referee, whose duties are conducted from a position on the poolside where an uninterrupted view can be obtained, is responsible for:
All aspects and the overall conduct of the game or competition.
Inspecting all playing equipment prior to a match.
Instructing the opposing teams of any special requirements of the match.
Presiding over the tossing of a coin by the two team captains for the choice of ends and announcing the result of their choice.
Signalling an audible warning to both teams 30 seconds prior to the start of a match and prior to the start of the second half.
Audibly signalling the start of play at the start of the match, at the start of the second half, after a Gull has been scored and when play is ready to commence, should it have been necessary to stop play.
Audibly signalling the stopping of play at the end of the first and second time periods, when a Gull is scored, and when certain infringements of the rules require the game to be stopped.
Observing any rule infringements which might only be visible from the above the surface of the water, and having stopped play where necessary, awarding appropriate penalties against offenders (sect. 6).
Using a casting vote if the Water Referees cannot agree on any point pertaining to the match. As in all matters concerning the running of a match, the Chief Referee's decision is final.
The two Water Referees duties are conducted from the water, and they are jointly responsible for:
Enforcing the rules at all times.
Ensuring the Gulleys or Gulley markers are correctly aligned at all times.
Observing the team to their left whenever play is ready to start or re-start, to ensure all players take up and maintain their starting positions and observe the correct start procedure (4.2).
Signalling to the Chief Referee to stop play when a Gull is scored (4.6) and setting up the re-start procedure (4.2.3 to 4.2.5).
Interpreting foul play (Sect.5) and should an infringement occur, signal to the Chief Referee to stop play by raising one hand (fig. 5) and depending on the severity of the infringement, take one or more of the actions shown in section 6.
Signalling the Chief Referee to stop the game by raising one hand (fig. 5) should an accident or injury occur and immediately assist the injured player to the poolside.
Assist the stopping of play, on the Chief Referee's signal, by placing a hand over the Squid.
The Timekeeper / Recorder's duties are conducted on the poolside from a position adjacent to the Chief Referee and may be carried out by one or more persons, or under certain circumstances, by the Chief Referee and those duties are:
Timing all Playing Time (4.1) and indicating to the Chief Referee the completion of each Time Period.
Timing any players who are sent out of the water for time penalties (6.3) and indicating to the players when they may re-enter the water.
Stopping the timing of the Time Period at the request of the Chief Referee in the event of an injury or other special circumstances.
Ensuring that all Gulls are announced and displayed immediately after they have been scored.
Keeping a written record of the Gulls scored, the player and the team credited with the Gull and any other points pertaining to the match which is felt should be recorded on the appropriate match report form.
Announcing the final score at the end of the match once the details of the match have been verified and countersigned by the match Officials.
The PLAYING TIME of a standard Octopush match will be a period of 33 minutes, consisting of two Time Periods of 15 minutes each, with a 3 minute period between the two, forming Half Time.
At half time the teams will change ends.
PLAYING TIME will also apply to any EXTENDED period necessary to complete a game (4.1.4.) or ADDITIONAL time necessary to achieve a result (4.1.5.).
Once PLAYING TIME has commenced, timing is continuous and can only be stopped by the Chief Referee in the event of an injury or other special circumstances.
PLAYING TIME may be EXTENDED if a Penalty Shot is in progress at the end of normal Playing Time (6.7.14.) and all extended time is added to the 33 minutes of standard Playing Time.
If ADDITIONAL PLAYING TIME is necessary to decide a winning team from a drawn match, two 5 minute Time Periods may be played, with no break at half time, but with teams changing ends between the periods.
PLAYING TIME may be reduced by mutual agreement of the captains, to two Time Periods of 5 minutes minimum each, if the time available for a match is restricted.
Prior to the start of the match, the two team Captains shall choose which end of the pool their team will start by the tossing of a coin, the winner having first choice of ends.
At 30 seconds prior to the start of the match and to the start of the second half, an audible warning of the impending start will be given to the teams by the Chief Referee.
At the end of the 30 second warning period, the Chief Referee will give an audible signal for the commencement of Playing Time and the Time Period.
After a Gull has been scored, or if it has been necessary to stop play for a rule infringement, play is restarted by the Chief Referee with an audible signal. No 30 second warning is given.
At the beginning of a match, after half time, or after a Gull has been scored, the starting positions for the 6 players of each team is in the water alongside their respective Gull-lines, with each player having at least one hand in contact with the wall.
The 4 substitutes of each team shall be on the poolside, seated on chairs or a bench, if available, at their own team's end of the pool. Any penalised players shall be on the poolside in the Penalty Box.
In pools with no wall for a Gull-line, the 6 players should be in the water, immediately above their own Gull-line and the 4 substitutes may be in the water, but MUST remain BEHIND the Gull-Line.
The starting positions of the officials are:
The Chief Referee shall be on the poolside, approximately in the centre of the sideline.
The two Water Referees shall be in the water approximately in the centre of their respective sidelines, observing the team to their left.
The audible signal to stop Playing Time or Time Periods is given by the Chief Referee, upon indication from the Timekeeper that the Playing Time or Time Period has been completed.
An audible signal to stop play is also given by the Chief Referee when a Gull is scored, when certain infringements of the rules occur making a stoppage necessary, or if an accident or injury occurs.
A match is said to be "In Play" during Playing Time which is between the start of play signal and end of play signal given by the Chief Referee.
A player is said to be "In Possession" only whilst the playing area of the pusher is in contact with the Squid.
Whilst a match is in play, the Squid may be pushed or passed in any direction, anywhere within the playing area by the player in possession.
The pusher may only be held by the handle, in either the right or the left hand, but under no circumstances may it be held by both hands simultaneously.
Any part of the playing area of the pusher may be used to play the Squid.
Whilst swimming on the surface players are permitted to use overarm strokes, but are reminded of the danger of striking other players.
Whilst a match is in play, when players wish to enter the water, (i.e. during substitution, or after a time penalty), they must do so by gently sliding into the water, head or feet first, with one hand on the side of the pool. Under NO circumstances may a player jump or dive into the water.
Whilst a match is in play, the Team Captain is the only player permitted to communicate with the Referees.
The Substitutes of each team must wait on the poolside until required, seated on a chair or bench when available, at their own team's end of the pool, throughout Playing Time.
Player substitution may take place at any time during a match, but the exchange of players may only be carried out at each team's own end of the pool. More than one player may be substituted at a time.
Before substitutes may enter play, the players being replaced must have completely left the water at their own end of the pool.
Substitution is also permitted should a player need to leave the water elsewhere due to an accident or injury, but only with the approval of the Chief Referee.
Players who have left the water to allow Substitutes to enter the water now become Substitutes themselves and must wait seated on the poolside at their own team's end of the pool until required.
A Gull is scored only when the Squid has wholly entered the hatched scoring area of the Gulley, (fig.8), having been propelled by or off a pusher. The actual volume which the Squid must wholly enter, or pass through, for a Gull to be scored, is defined as an area which covers the base of the Gulley, 3 metres wide, 120mm in from the back of the Gulley and raising to 180mm high from the bottom of the Gulley.
When a Gull is scored, it is indicated by the Water Referees raising both hands above the head, (fig 7), whereupon the Chief Referee shall stop play.
Should the Squid enter the Gulley propelled by anything other than the playing area of the pusher, or as a direct result of a rule infringement by the attacking team, it shall be disallowed and the appropriate action for a rule infringement be taken.
Should posts be used to mark a Gulley, a Gull is scored only when the Squid passes between them from the direction of the opponent's end, having been propelled by or off a pusher.
After a Gull has been scored, play is recommenced as in rules 4.2.3 to 4.2.5 and the following:
The Squid is replaced at the centre of the pool by the Water Referee with the responsibility for that Gull.
The Water Referees, on seeing that both teams are in position, indicate to the Chief Referee that play is ready to commence by each raising one hand above the head.
Play is then recommenced on the Chief Referee's signal.
Should play be restarted for any reason before all players have returned to their respective Gull-lines (4.2.4), they must still continue to do so and touch the Gull-line before re-entering play.
If at any time during play the Referees decide a rule infringement does not affect the advantage held by the team in possession,they may allow play to continue as if no offence had occurred.
Whilst a match is in play, players may be penalised for any rule infringements, including the following:
Behaving in any way, or using conduct, which in the opinion of the Officials, can be considered contrary to the sportsmanlike conduct of the game.
Starting play incorrectly.
Having more than 6 players in the water whilst the match is in play , or allowing a substitute to enter the water to replace a player sent out of the water for a time penalty, or one has been dismissed for the rest of the match.
Advancing, or attempting to advance the Squid with anything other than the playing area of the pusher.
Handling the Squid with the free or the playing hand. This includes guiding the Squid with an outstretched finger, or advancing the Squid with the back of the hand, although it will not be considered as 'handling' should the Squid accidentally touch the back of the playing hand.
Lifting or carrying the Squid balanced on a pusher, but should it be lifted onto a pusher accidentally, it should be dropped immediately.
Standing on the pool bottom while the match is in play.
Deliberately impeding, or obstructing any other player whilst not in possession of the Squid.
Stopping or attempting to stop a Gulley being scored with anything other than the playing area of the pusher.
Covering or obstructing the Squid with any part of the body, or equipment, whilst not in possession, to prevent access to the Squid by other players.
Attempting to gain possession of the Squid by the use of obstruction.
Using hands, arms, legs or body in any way to grasp, pull or push an opponent.
Removing or attempting to remove any other player's equipment.
Insulting by words or gestures, any other players or the Officials.
Refusing to accept any decision made by the Officials.
Physically attacking or deliberately hurting an opponent or Official in any way, or striking, or attempting to strike an opponent or Official with any part of the body, or equipment. This includes any action taken in retaliation.
Deliberately propelling the Squid out of the playing area.
Jumping or diving into the water whilst a match is in play.
INTENTIONALLY propelling the Squid at or in the direction of another player in a manner which may result in injury.
Entering into any discussion with Referees and Officials by any player except the Team Captain (4.4.7) during Playing Time, other than for matters of emergency.
Should an infringement of the rules occur, play is stopped by the Chief Referee, either on seeing the Water Referee's raised hand, or if an offence is observed from the surface.
Depending on the severity of the infringement, the Referees have the following courses of action open to them for penalising offending players:
They may CAUTION the offending player(s) (6.2).
They may dismiss the offending player(s) from the water for TIME-PENALTIES of up to 5 minutes (6.3).
They may DISMISS the offending player(s) from the water for the rest of the game (6.4).
In addition to penalising the offending player(s), or as an alternative, the Referees also have the following courses of action open to them for penalising an offending team:
They may award an "EQUAL SQUID", with neither team being awarded the advantage (6.5).
They may award a "FREE SQUID" to the non-offending team (6.6).
They may award a"PENALTY SHOT" to the non-offending team, if an offence is committed within the 6 metre Penalty Area (6.7).
They may award a "PENALTY GULL" to the non-offending team (6.8).
Should an infringement of the rules be committed by the poolside Substitutes or a team's Officials, they may also have appropriate penalties awarded against them, or their team, by the Referees.
If during the course of a tournament, and in the opinion of the Chief Referee, an offence committed is extreme in nature, the offending person or persons may be banned from taking any further part in that Tournament, with a full report of the incident being sent to the B.O.A. National Referee (sect. 7).
For minor or accidental infringements, or any other reason thought necessary by the Referees, once play has been stopped, the Referees may verbally caution the offending player(s) or the team concerned.
Once the offending player(s) or team has been cautioned, the Referee who stopped play will indicate whether play is to be restarted with an Equal Squid (6.5), a Free Squid (6.6), or a Penalty Shot (6.7).
For major infringements or collective minor infringements, once play has been stopped, offending players may have time-penalties awarded against them.
A Time-Penalty is indicated by the Referee who stopped play by pointing to the offending player(s) and then to the Penalty Box, holding up from 1 to 5 fingers on the free hand to indicate the actual length of the Time-Penalty to be served (fig 9).
The Time-Penalty period does not start until the offending player(s) is SEATED in a Penalty Box seat situated alongside the Timekeeper's table (fig. 1), AND the SIGNAL to re-commence play is given by the Chief Referee.
Players serving Time-Penalties may not be replaced by Substitutes.
Offending players serving Time-Penalties must await a signal from the Timekeeper (3.5.2), indicating expiry of the Time-Penalty, before re-entering play at the centre line.
Once the offending player(s) has left the water, the Referee who stopped play will indicate whether play is to be restarted with an Equal Squid (6.5), a Free Squid (6.6), or a Penalty Shot (6.7).
For deliberate major infringements or repeated unsportsmanlike conduct, once play has been stopped, the Referees may dismiss the offending player(s) from the water for the remainder of the match, or in severe circumstances, for the remainder of the Tournament.
A Total dismissal is indicated by the Referee who stopped play pointing to the offending player(s) and then toward the Penalty Box, while moving the free arm in a 90o<D> arc, with the flat of the hand face down on the top of the water (fig 10).
Offending players dismissed for the rest of the match must go to the Penalty Box, which is situated alongside the Timekeeper's table and remain there until the match is concluded.
Players dismissed for the remainder of the match may not be replaced by Substitutes.
Once the offending player(s) has left the water, the Referee who stopped play will indicate whether play is to be restarted with an Equal Squid (6.5), a Free Squid (6.6), or a Penalty Shot (6.7).
For minor or accidental infringements, or any other reason thought necessary, once play has been stopped, the Referees may award an Equal Squid, with neither team being given the advantage, either by itself or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
A Equal Squid is indicated by the Referee who stopped play holding up both arms crossed above the head (fig. 11).
When an Equal Squid has been awarded (fig. 12), play recommences from the surface.
The Squid is placed at the point the offence occurred by the Water Referee not indicating the award.
If an offence occurs within 2 metres of the Side-Line, or within 5 metres of the Gull-line, the Squid shall be placed at those distances from either line, parallel with where the offence occurred.
One player from each team prepares to take possession of the Squid, once the signal to re-commence play is given by the Chief Referee.
All players of both teams may take up any position on the surface they wish, within their own section of the playing area behind the Squid, until the signal to recommence play is given by the Chief Referee.
The Water Referee who stopped play, having ensured both teams are in position (fig 12), indicates to the Chief Referee that play is ready to recommence by raising one hand above the head.
Play is then recommenced on the Chief Referee's signal.
For any rule infringement, once play has been stopped, the Referee may award a Free Squid against the offending team, either by itself, or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
A Free Squid is indicated by the Referee who stopped play holding up one hand with the palm facing the offending team (fig. 13) and pointing to the area where the offence occurred with the other hand.
When a Free Squid has been awarded, (fig 14), play recommences from the surface.
The Squid is placed at the point the offence occurred by the Water Referee not indicating the award.
If an offence occurs within 2 metres of the Side-Line or within 5 metres of the Gull-line, the Squid shall be placed at those distances from either line, parallel with where the offence occurred.
Both Water Referees will indicate an imaginary line across the pool, 3 metres from the Squid in the direction of the offending team.
The non-offending team prepares to submerge and take possession of the Squid once the signal to re-commence play is given by the Chief Referee.
The offending team must retreat and take up position behind the 3 metre line indicated by the Water Referees, and although they may also submerge on the Chief Referee's signal, they must not cross the line until a non-offending team player actually touches the Squid.
If the offending team fails to retreat, or stay, behind the 3 metre line, then as a further penalty, the Squid may be advanced an additional 3 metres towards the offending team's Gull-Line.
The Water Referee who stopped play,having ensured that both teams are in position (fig 14), indicates to the Chief Referee that play is ready to re-commence by raising one hand above the head.
Play is then recommenced on the Chief Referee's signal.
Once the signal is given, the team awarded the Free Squid must play the Squid within 5 seconds.
If a team fails to play the Squid within 5 seconds, play shall be stopped and the Free Squid withdrawn.
The Referee who stopped play will then indicate whether play is to be restarted with an Equal Squid (6.5), a Free Squid (6.6), either alone, or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
Should a rule infringement occur within the 6 metre Penalty Area preventing an almost certain Gull being scored, once play has been stopped, the Referee may award a Penalty Shot against the offending team, either by itself, or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
A Penalty Shot is indicated by the Referee who stopped play raising and lowering one hand in a pumping up and down motion (fig.15) and pointing to the penalty spot with the other hand.
When a Penalty Shot has been awarded (fig. 16), play recommences from the surface.
The Squid is placed on the Penalty Spot by the Water Referee not indicating the award, which is situated 3 metres out from the Gull-Line, directly in line with the centre of the Gulley.
The non-offending team's captain shall nominate 2 attackers, who may, once the signal to commence is given, submerge and play the Squid in any direction and try to score a Gull.
The offending team's captain shall nominate 1 Gulley defender, who may, once the signal to commence is given, also submerge but must remain touching the Gull-line with one hand until either of the opposing players have touched the Squid. The defender may then attempt to gain possession and save the Penalty shot by playing the Squid in any direction and trying to remove it from the 6 metre Penalty Area.
All the remaining players of both teams must leave the water at their own team's end of the pool and must not take any part nor interfere with play, until the Referees indicate the Penalty Shot has been concluded.
The Water Referee, on seeing that all players are ready (fig16), indicates to the Chief Referee that the Penalty Shot is ready to commence by raising one hand above the head.
The Penalty Shot is then commenced on the Chief Referee's signal.
Once the signal is given, the team awarded the Penalty Shot must play the Squid within 5 seconds.
If a team fails to play the Squid within 5 seconds, play shall be stopped and the Penalty Shot considered to be saved.
If additional rule infringements occur while the Penalty Shot is in progress, play shall be stopped and either a Penalty Gull awarded, the Penalty Shot considered saved, or at the Referees discretion, the Penalty Shot shall be taken again.
The Penalty Shot is then decided, either by a Gull being scored, the shot saved, or as in rule 6.7.11
When a Penalty Shot is saved, it is indicated by the Water Referees raising one hand and pointing to the Centre Spot with the free hand.
Should a Time Period be completed before the Penalty Shot has been decided, the penalty procedure must be allowed to continue until the Penalty Shot has been concluded.
Once the Penalty Shot has been decided, normal play will recommence as in rules 4.2.3 to 4.2.7.
In extreme cases, for any rule infringement committed anywhere in the pool in circumstances where an almost certain Gull would have been scored, once play has been stopped, the Referee may award a Penalty Gull against the offending team, either by itself, or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
A Penalty Gull is indicated by the Water Referee who stopped play raising and lowering one hand with a pumping up and down motion (fig. 15) and then by raising both hands above the head to indicate a Gull (fig. 7).
When a Penalty Gull has been awarded, normal play will recommence again as in rules 4.2.3 to 4.2.7, with the Squid in the centre of the pool.
If at any time the Squid should go "Out of Play" by crossing the Side-Line or Gull-Line markers, particularly in pools with no wall for a Side-Line or Gull-Line, play shall be stopped by the Chief Referee on seeing the hand of the Water Referee raised.
For a Side-Line Out or an End-Line Out, once play has been stopped, the Referees may award either an Equal Squid (6.5), or a Free Squid (6.6), either alone, or in conjunction with rules 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4.
If there is no clear indication of which team's player caused the Squid to go "Out of Play", an Equal Squid will be awarded (6.5).
If the Squid is observed by the Water Referee to go "Out of Play" directly from a player's pusher, a Free Squid shall be awarded to the opposing team (6.6).
When a Side-Line Out or an End-Line Out has been awarded, play is restarted from the surface as per the procedures for an Equal Squid or Free Squid, as applicable.
For a Side-Line Out, the Squid shall be placed 2 metres in from the point where it went "Out of Play" (fig 17) by the Water Referee who stopped play.
For an End-Line Out, the Squid shall be placed 5 metres in from the point it went "Out of Play" (fig 17) by the Water Referee.
If the Squid goes "Out of Play" on the Side-Line within 5 metres of the Gull-Line, or on the Gull-Line within 2 metres of the Side-Line, it shall be placed 2 metres in from the Side-Line and 5 metres in from the Gull-Line by the Water Referee who stopped play.
If, in the opinion of the Officials, a Team, player or other individual has acted in a manner prejudicial to the Sport of Octopush, specifically in the areas where dangerous play or violence is used against any other person, or bringing the game into disrepute, the following procedure shall be employed:
A full report shall be sent in writing to the B.O.A. National Referee, by the Official observing the incident, for forwarding to the B.O.A. National Committee (hereafter called 'the Committee').
The person or persons involved with the incident shall be advised by the Official that a report of the incident has been made to the Committee.
On Receipt of an incident report, the B.O.A. National Referee shall contact all parties involved in writing, inviting them to offer an explanation of the incident in writing and also invite them to attend the relevant Committee Meeting where the matter is to be discussed.
A time period is to be set for the issuing of invitations and receipt of explanations and will nominally be the period prior to the next planned Committee Meeting.
The Committee shall take note of all written information concerning the incident under question and may request further information or explanation from any person attending the hearing.
At the end of the hearing, the Committee shall decide on what action to take concerning the incident.
If the Committee decides that any action should be taken against an offender, depending on the severity of the offence, the following courses of action may be taken:
A person may be given a written reprimand, cautioning against any similar behaviour in the future.
A person may be given a period of suspension from all B.O.A. controlled activities.
A person may be totally banned from taking part in any B.O.A. controlled activity.
Whatever the outcome of the hearing, any person involved in an incident brought before the Committee shall be informed in writing of the Committee's decision concerning the incident, with copies of the letter being sent to all parties concerned and the persons team captain.
If any person or persons, having been disciplined, consider that all the information or other circumstances have not been fully taken into account, they may make an appeal to the Committee in writing, stating the circumstances which should be re-heard.
Having received an appeal, the Committee will re-appraise the incident, taking into account the circumstances precipitating the appeal.
At the conclusion of the re-appraisal, the Committee shall inform all parties concerned in writing, of their decision.
All decisions taken by the Committee concerning an appeal are final.
If a Team, player or other individual disciplined by the Committee does not abide by the decisions of the Committee, then further action will be taken against the offenders.
The UK Governing Body for all Octopush (Underwater Hockey) competitions and matches played in the UK shall be the British Octopush Association.
At all times, players taking part in any competition or match sanctioned by the B.O.A. shall come under the jurisdiction of the B.O.A. and it's Officials from the commencement of the competition or match, until it is declared ended.
A list of all Competitions sanctioned by the B.O.A. can be obtained from the UK National Competitions Manager.
During any competition or match sanctioned by the B.O.A., all personal and match equipment used must have the prior approval of the Chief Referee controlling the competition or match.
A Club wishing to enter any UK competition sanctioned by the B.O.A., must apply in writing to the appropriate Competition Manager, with a copy being forwarded by the Manager to the UK Competitions Manager and include the following:
The club's name, address and telephone number.
The pool name, address and telephone number.
The contact person's name, address and telephone number.
The list of players to be registered as playing for the club (8.3)
The entry fee for the particular competition the team wishes to enter.
The British Octopush Association Membership fee, to be forwarded to the B.O.A. Treasurer.
All competing teams must register their players with the appropriate Competition Manager, with a copy sent to the UK Competitions Manager and may include as many, over the minimum required for a match, as required.
No player may be registered for more than one UK or non UK club team.
Rule 8.3.1. does not apply to UK female players, who are permitted to play for their home club and one all-female club.
All registered players must be members of the club they are representing.
Any team short of players for a match may employ any member from their club.
If an unregistered player is used, that player must then be registered.
Under NO circumstances may guest players from other clubs be used. A guest player is defined as anyone registered and/or playing for another UK or non UK club team.
Transfer of players between teams is permitted, provided they re-register for the new team and remain with them for a minimum 2 month period. This includes both UK and non UK players.
Once players have transferred to a new UK club team, they may not return to the team they previously left, for a period of 12 months.
Under special circumstances players may apply to the B.O.A. National Committee for an exemption to rule 8.3.8.
In all competitions or matches sanctioned by the B.O.A., the 'Home' team is responsible for providing the following:
The pool and changing facilities.
The Chief Referee and one Water Referee, preferably from a neutral club, who are qualified to the standards required by the B.O.A. and a Timekeeper/Recorder.
The official's equipment as shown in section 3.2.
A set of Gull frames or posts to B.O.A. standards (1.2.).
A Squid to B.O.A. standards (1.3.).
One set of white Pushers to B.O.A. standards (1.4.).
One set of white protective caps (2.2.2.)
Should two opposing teams have similarly coloured pushers, then the Home team must change to the colour not being used by the visiting Away team.
In all competitions or matches sanctioned by the B.O.A., the 'Away' team is responsible for providing the following:
One Water Referee, preferably from a neutral club, who is qualified to the standards required by the B.O.A.
One set of black Pushers to B.O.A. standards (1.4.).
One set of dark protective caps (2.2.2.).