Chapter 8: Fish Out of Water

FIMP Code of Competition & Technical Handbook · 2026–2029 Edition (in force from 1 January 2026)

Article 8.1: The rule

1. 8.1.1An evader commits a Fish Out of Water infraction (FOW) if (a) their whole body is above the waterline, or (b) they touch the pool deck with any part of the body other than the hands, for more than 3.0 seconds.
2. 8.1.2The 3.0-second count is measured by the poolside light curtain and confirmed by the FOW Judge.
3. 8.1.3Each FOW infraction costs 5 points.
4. 8.1.4On an evader's third FOW infraction in a chukka, the Marco is credited with a tag. The Marco shall call “Fish!”, and the evader leaves the water.
5. 8.1.5This rule was adopted in October 1951 following the Helsinki Incident.