Underwater Wrestling (Aquathlon)

Underwater Wrestling (Aquathlon) Rules

• The pool where the combat is performed has a square-shaped ring with an open area around the edge. This free area is usually marked with ropes and flags for the easy distinction. 
• The ring has a dimension of 5 x 5 meters and a free area of 2.5 meters in width. The ring is divided into two equal parts marked with red or blue rope for the red side, and the other side has ropes of yellow or white colours which is the yellow side.
• The bottom of the pool consists of two hoops each of 1-meter diameter, placed in opposite sides. The red hoop is placed on the red side, whereas the yellow hoop in the yellow area. 
• All the players have to wear a specific swimsuit with dense fabric along with masks, and fins. The colours of both the participants' suit should be different from each other. The participants are required to wear a red or yellow cap as a symbol of their team.
• The players are also required to wear two ankle bands with a length of 20-25 cm and a width of 2-2.5 cm. These ribbons are tied on the participants' band with the aid of velcro.
• Each combat match has three different rounds which last for 30 seconds, whereas the time interval between two rounds should be more than 1 minute. 
• When the official perform a gong sound, then only the player's can begin the round. 
• The participants are not restricted to enter the ring of their opponent as they have no right to prevent them. If found guilty, the participant loses the round with a score of 0-3. 
• If the match ends with a tie, a special round is conducted to determine the winner. 
• In the special rounds, the wrestlers are not required to wear the ribbons. The player that has lost in the special round loses 1 point from their the score.
• Fouls are awarded if the players strike down or choke other players. They are also restricted to remove other player's mask and swimsuit. 
• A minor foul is conducted if the player fails to be in the free open area when the bout begins. The players cannot start the match before the start signal indicated by the referee.
• The players cannot raise voice or argue with the officials, especially with the judges.