Underwater Rugby

General Rules

• Each match is played for 15 minutes halves. The players can demand for a 60 seconds break.
• The artificial pool on which the sport is conducted should have a depth of 3.5 meters to 5 meters.
• Each match consists of three referees positioned at the edge, surface and the bottom of the playing pool. These referees use buzzers as a mark of giving signals that are audible inside the water as well. 
• The ball used in underwater rugby has a perimeter of minimum 520 mm and can be expanded up to 540 mm in the U-21 men's event whereas, for the women matches, it should be from 490 to 510 mm. 
• The designated team leader has the responsibility to promote adequate behaviour of the entire team with the referee and manages the team rules. 
• The matches are played between two teams with 15 players in each. Twelve of them are assigned underwater to play the match and other 3 act as substitutes and stay on the deck.
• The players are prohibited from grabbing any other player's mask or catching their fins or snorkel.
• The players are strictly restricted from pulling out other player's swimming suit during the match. A foul is considered if any player intentionally splashes water on other player's face, uses foul language with the referee or with other players, or attempt in hiding the ball before the start of the match.
• During the match, the playing ball can be replaced with the approval of the designated referee.
• The ball is placed on the half-line drawn on the centre of the underwater, before starting the match.
• At this time, all the players are required to stay in the pool's end with one hand touching it.
• If a tie occurs during the match, then a penalty throw shootout is performed where three throws are provided to each participating team. 
• Both the teams have the right to call for a timeout for up to one minute.
• If any team has received similar warnings will lead to receiving a time-based penalty by the referee.
• An attacker cannot attack another player before both of them have dived. During this, the attacker has only 45 seconds to strike a goal.

General History

Ludwig von Bersuda developed the sport of underwater rugby. He was a member of the German Underwater Club (DUC) and suggested the idea of using the ball filled with saltwater than the air-filled ball. 

This saltwater ball has a higher density. Hence, it won't float on the surface. Later, Dr. Franz Josef Grimmeisen pointed out of using the idea of underwater rugby as a competitive sport. He assisted the German Lifeguard Association (DLRG) and together organized the first formal competition of underwater rugby on 4th October 1964. 

With Grimmeisen's encouraging spirit, underwater hockey started earning popularity. He promoted the sport, and with the aid of DUC Mulheim/Ruhr, developed the official rule book of underwater rugby. 

This rulebook was regarded as the Battle for the Golden Ball, created in Hallenbad Sued which premiered in 1965. Since then, the annual tournament is organized. After a short article published in the 1965 L'Equipe magazine, the Scandinavian countries became the primary places where the game has been played. 

In 1973, an open demonstration of the sport was presented in Denmark and later in Finland, Belgium and Vienna in 1975, 1973 and 1979, respectively. In 1972, the German Championship of underwater rugby was organized by the recognition of the Union of German Sport Divers (VDST). 

In 1978, underwater rugby was recognized by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). The same year, the first-ever European Championship organized in the Malmo, Sweden and 1980 the first World Championship of underwater rugby was held.