Group: Canoe Polo

Canoe Polo is a full contact team sport played by teams of kayakers around the globe. Using specialist lightweight boats the 5 players of each team attempt to score by shooting a water polo ball through the opposing team’s goal. The goals are 1.5 x 2m and suspended around 2m from the surface of the water. They are guarded by a goalie who uses a paddle held in the air to deflect shots. Most countries view Canoe Polo as an outdoor sport, although in the UK many matches are played indoors in swimming pools. The pitch area is marked out using floating ropes and any manner of ingenious solutions can be used to support the goals themselves!

The game itself is fast paced, with 2 halves lasting around 7 minutes each. Players must throw the ball in order to move it around the pitch, as paddling with it on your deck (lap) is not permitted. Any player who has possession of the ball (i.e. is holding it or is the nearest person within a 1m radius) may be pushed in by a member of the opposing team - the ability to roll back up (especially whilst still holding the ball) comes in very hand at this point! There are a number of rules and penalties designed to ensure the safety of all players – for example contact between one payer’s paddles and another players hands is strictly forbidden. Each game has 2 referees, who stand on opposing sides of the pitch and communicate decisions to the players using a series of hand signals, and in the case of disciplinary issues coloured cards.

Canoe Polo is played at many different levels from club standard through to regional, national and international competitions. Teams can be classified as Ladies, Youth or Open (mixed sex) and generally play against other teams within the same category. In the UK the sport is run and officiated by volunteers, who are represented by the National Canoe Polo Committee. This committee meet around four times a year with the aim of to managing and advancing the sport for all of its participants.

For More information see http://www.canoepolo.org.uk/

Group set up by Polo Committee