USA, — After viewers watched Sunday's Olympic water polo match between Team USA and Italy many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, raising the question: Are wedgies legal in water polo?
"Technically they are illegal, but the refs can’t see underwater so they get away with it,” one USA water polo member told 5 On Your Side.
Even though the rules for the 2024 Paris Olympics do not specifically mention wedgies, intentionally splashing water in an opponent's face, committing an act of brutality, and showing disrespect is considered a major foul.
If the athlete gives their opponent a wedgie or has a wedgie the referee could give a holding call or an ordinary foul which is considered a minor foul. According to the 2023-2024 NCAA Rulebook, this particular foul will result in the opposing team getting a free throw.
However, there are no clear guidelines in the rulebook for athletes when it comes to deck decorum or underwater contact.
This contact sport also does not mention the word wedgies for athletes who choose to wear swimsuits that do not fully cover their read-end, according to The Women of Water Polo and Coaching (WOWPAC). However, the organization said that excessive skin exposure is not allowed in the sport and therefore is not legal.
A "Fix your Suit" policy implemented by WOWPAC years ago applies to all genders and aligns with a deck decorum that has been put in place by the NCAA.
"We don't want them objectified and reduced to a pair of buttcheeks, our athletes deserve better," WOWPAC said in a "Fix your Suit" video.
However, there are no clear guidelines in the rulebook for athletes when it comes to deck decorum or underwater contact.
