Please find below some highlights of recent rule clarifications that Nigel has kindly draw up following the recent Annual Refs day. If any of this is unclear please refer to the official rules in the yearbook.

There are also some tips for lower division paddlers on where to focus attention on getting kit up to scratch. I would recommend that players comply completely with the dress code at all levels. However, if you are going to trust to the good nature of the league organiser and referees Nigel has done a good job illustrating the areas you should focus on!

We are currently working to get the database of qualified refs up to date. Meanwhile if you are in any doubt about whether or not you are qualified to the right level please contact the Ali Goodwin, the new Ref Administrator,
on refereeing-administrator at canoepolo.org.uk.

Regards

Andy

Some of you may already have seen details about ICF rule updates.
Many of the changes are really clarifications of existing good refereeing.
There are several elements which are likely to affect the way the game is played, and perhaps as importantly, may jar with some players’ expectations.

To ensure everyone is as aware as can reasonably be achieved, this message is being sent to all Referees as reminder and to all League Secretaries with request that they cascade it to all team managers for relay to all players.

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* RED CARD:
Red Cards now span 2 games . ... The game being played and the next.
(The next might be the first game at the next tournament).

* RUGBY STYLE ADVANTAGE.
The referee may choose to play on for the next sequence of play and then blow the whistle if an expected advantage fails.
This may be several seconds AFTER 'Play On' has been called.
(It is likely some referees will change to the call 'Advantage or Play Advantage').
The old rule: ‘The whistle should not be blown after ‘Play on’ has been called’
no longer applies.

* 2 METRE RULE
Free shots awarded for fouls occurring within 2 metres of the goal line are moved back to the 2 metre line.

* BLOCKING WITHIN 1 METRE
All players within 2 metres of the goal may block a free shot with a stationary hand or paddle after release but before it has travelled 1m (provided others are not endangered).

* DELIBERATE FOULS
Fouls are considered to be deliberate unless the player makes a clear attempt to avoid the foul. (Referee is judging what the player actually does rather than mind reading!)

* TEAM CARDS
Expect increased use of TEAM (Green) CARDS this season

INFORMATION SPECIFIC FOR THE LOWEST DIVISIONS ONLY:

We will be insistent on BAs being the same colour except where a properly fitting tabard of the correct colour is worn instead.

Every Boat in a team should be at least 85% the same colour as the rest.
(Fablon & duct tape are fine). A blob of colour on a boat which otherwise does not match the team is not acceptable. Its easy to fix and most players do not want to arrive at a tournament to be told they can’t play until their boat is colour matched.

Helmets – Its to your advantage to play in the same colour – it helps you spot your team-mates faster under pressure. However, in the lowest divisions this will not be strictly enforced during 2008 / 2009 season.

I don’t expect well worry too much about numbers, 'tho correct is good.

Likewise I doubt there’ll be too much upset if Lycras aren’t quite colour coded in the lowest divisions (so long as everyone has a Lycra) ‘tho matching is better. Tee shirts are acceptable.

Boats, paddles, helmets must be SAFE – Properly approved, secure bumpers & visors, no sharp or metal edges.