Official Rules of Marco Polo (FIMP Code of Competition)

The FIMP Code of Competition & Technical Handbook, 2026–2029 Edition (in force from 1 January 2026), is the official rulebook of Marco Polo for all FIMP-sanctioned competition.

Download the full Code (PDF)

The rules of Marco Polo in brief

1. One athlete, the Marco, keeps their eyes closed and calls “Marco” (65–95 dB, no longer than 1.4 s).
2. Every other athlete must answer “Polo” within 0.6 seconds.
3. The Marco scores 25 points per tag. Evaders score 1 point for every 10 seconds they survive.
4. A chukka lasts 180 seconds. A heat has six chukkas, so everyone is the Marco once.
5. Leaving the water for more than 3.0 seconds is a Fish Out of Water infraction (−5 points).
6. Indoor water: 27.4 °C ± 0.2 °C, 25.000 m × 12.500 m, 1.35–1.40 m deep.

Chapters

1. Chapter 1 General Provisions
2. Chapter 2 The Call and Response
3. Chapter 3 Indoor Competition Basin
4. Chapter 4 Outdoor Competition Basin
5. Chapter 5 Athletes and Eligibility
6. Chapter 6 Format of Competition
7. Chapter 7 Scoring
8. Chapter 8 Fish Out of Water
9. Chapter 9 Eyes and Ocular Integrity
10. Chapter 10 Conduct
11. Chapter 11 Acoustic Officiating
12. Chapter 12 Tag Officiating
13. Chapter 13 Medical and Anti-Doping
14. Chapter 14 Governance

The PDF edition also contains the technical appendices, including the Accepted Pronunciations of “Polo”, the Swimwear Register, the Prohibited List and the complete championship record since 1931.