Definition of goal keeper?

[Raymond Liow]

I refer to Chapter 3, Rules Regulations, Clause 38.1

'38.1. The one defending player most directly under the goal, in order to defend the goal with the paddle is considered to be the goalkeeper at that time.'

Does that mean the keeper has to have his paddle up? Some of our local players are arguing that some keepers like to keep their paddles down to maintain position, then raise their paddles just as the striker shoots.

What do you guys think?

[Raymond Liow]

I'm sorry, I mean Game Regulations

[TheMasterG]

As you can see from the rule there is no mention of the keeper having to have his/her paddle up therefore it is not required for a player to be considered the goalkeeper.

[Irishpolo]

The new rules have taken out the requirement for players to hold up their paddle in order to be defined as the goalkeeper. So the rule is now as it reads the player most directly under the goal facing out from the goal line onto the field of play is defined as the goal keeper

[clyde]

I'm sure off the top of my head it does actually say in there that the paddles need to be used to defend the goal, while in the old rules it was paddles up. This new rule still requires the paddle to be used in some way to defend the goal. Afterall, the goal is 2+m above the water and so it's not unreasonable for the goal keeper to be clearly identifiable in this way.

Since it doesn't actaully state how muh the paddle must be held aloft, it would seem to suggest some acceptance of keepers not always wanting to hold their paddles up high.
However, some amount of visible sign is clearly required. How else does an attacker know when a player is simply a defender (who can be legally kayak tackled) or actually the goal keeper.

Clyde

[Mike]

Clyde,

In the rules I think it states that the goalkeeper is the player
most centrally under the goals within a metre of them, so
that would seem to be an indication to the attacker as to who
the goalkeeper is.

Just my two cents worth.

Mike.

[clyde]

Yes Mike, that goes without saying. Afterall if you had three defending players sat in a line, sure one would be most directly under the goal even if they were all within that 1m, but any one (only one) of them who had their paddle up in some way, even the outer most would be the goal keeper.
- So long as they were facing into the playing area of course !

Clyde

[Cormac]

In addition if an attacking player tried to move any of the boats in close proximity to each other they are more than likely to cause it in turn to move the goalie.