Chapter 6: Format of Competition

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

Article 6.1: The heat

1. 6.1.1Each heat consists of six athletes and six chukkas. Each athlete is the Marco in exactly one chukka.
2. 6.1.2The order in which athletes are the Marco shall be drawn by lot in the call room.
3. 6.1.3There shall be an interval of 60 seconds between chukkas. During the interval, athletes shall remain in the water.

Article 6.2: The chukka

1. 6.2.1A chukka begins with the Starter's whistle (3,150 Hz) and lasts 180 seconds, or until all five evaders have been tagged.
2. 6.2.2At the start of each chukka the Marco shall be positioned at the centre of the basin and the evaders at least 4.0 m from the Marco.
3. 6.2.3The Marco shall make the first call within 5 seconds of the start whistle.
4. 6.2.4A tagged evader shall leave the water by the nearest steps and take no further part in the chukka.

Article 6.3: Championship structure

1. 6.3.1World Championships consist of Round 1, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and a Final, depending on the number of entries.
2. 6.3.2The highest-placed 24 athletes after Round 1 advance to the Quarter-finals, the highest-placed 12 to the Semi-finals and the highest-placed 6 to the Final.
3. 6.3.3A Final is always a single heat of six chukkas.