#Event Description & Format - Water Polo#
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Water Polo, a team event held for the 27th time for men and
second for women, will be contested between August 15-29 at 
the Athens Olympic Sports Complex. 

There will be 12 men's teams -- Greece, Hungary, Germany,
Italy, Egypt, Serbia-Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Spain, Croatia,
United States, Australia and Russia. 

There are eight women's teams -- Kazakhstan, Australia, 
Canada, Russia, Hungary, Italy, Greece and United States. 

Water polo is contested with seven players on a team and is
divided into four quarters, which are seven minutes apiece, a
time limit that was extended from five minutes in 1984. 

A goal is scored when the entire ball passes over the goal line,
between the goal posts, and underneath the crossbar.  A goal may
be scored using any part of the body except a clenched fist. 

As in basketball, there is a shot clock.  Each team must take a
shot on goal within 35 seconds of taking possession of the ball
or it loses possession. 

The field of play is 30 meters from goal to goal and 20 meters
wide.  The water must be at least 5 feet 10 7/8 inches deep and
preferably 6 feet 6 3/4 inches deep. 

The medal games are August 29 for men and August 26 for women.
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