Missed Shot
Any Mason shot that does not score, including a save, defensive block, shot wide, or shot off the post or crossbar. A shot is either a goal or a missed shot—never both.
How to Take Water Polo Statistics
A guide for parent volunteers using the Mason Water Polo game statistics sheet. Focus on the player’s cap number and the result of each play.
Watch the BallFollow the active play
Find the CapIdentify the player’s number
Make a TallyRecord the result immediately
Check Each QuarterReconcile before play resumes
Before the Game
Fill out the header and rosters before the opening sprint whenever possible. Use simple tally marks during play, then convert the tallies to numbers after each quarter.
- Enter the opponent, date, start time, team level, and gender.
- Write each Mason player’s name beside the correct cap number.
- Add the opponent’s names and cap numbers if a roster is available.
- Write your name under Stats Taken By for each quarter you cover.
What to Record
Record each statistic in the row belonging to the Mason player who made the play.
Goal
Credit the Mason player who scores. The entire ball must cross the goal line between the posts and beneath the crossbar.
Assist
Credit the player whose pass directly creates the goal. Award no more than one assist per goal, and do not force an assist when the scorer creates the chance independently.
Steal
Record a steal when a Mason player takes the ball, intercepts a pass, or knocks it loose and Mason gains possession. Do not award one for an unforced bad pass.
Block
Credit the Mason player—usually the goalkeeper—who clearly stops an opponent’s shot. Do not count a shot that misses the goal or hits the post without being touched.
Goals Allowed
Record each opponent goal against the Mason goalkeeper who was in the goal when it was scored.
Exclusion Earned
Credit the Mason offensive player whose play causes an opponent to be excluded. This is also commonly called drawing a kickout.
Turnover
Charge the Mason player primarily responsible for losing possession through a bad pass, stolen ball, offensive foul, or violation. A normal missed shot is not also a turnover.
Exclusion
Record one when a Mason player is excluded and sent to the re-entry area. Note any penalty foul resulting in a 5-meter shot in the Notes section for later verification.
If You Miss a Play
Place a question mark in the Notes section and verify it at the next stoppage or quarter break. It is better to leave a statistic unassigned temporarily than to guess the player.
Special Situations
These totals are recorded at the bottom of the sheet in addition to the individual player statistics.
5-Meter AttemptedCount every penalty shot taken by Mason.
5-Meter ScoredCount every successful Mason penalty shot. Also record a goal for the shooter.
6-on-5 OpportunitiesCount each time an opponent is excluded and Mason receives a player advantage.
6-on-5 GoalsCount each Mason goal scored during the advantage. Also record the goal and any assist.
5-on-6 DefensesCount each time Mason must defend with an excluded player.
Short-Handed GoalsCount each Mason goal scored while Mason has an excluded player. Also record the individual goal.
Goals by Quarter and Final Check
Enter the goals scored during each quarter—not the running score. Add all four quarters for the final score. The official scoreboard and scorebook control if there is a discrepancy.
- Mason’s individual goals equal Mason’s quarter totals and final score.
- Opponent goals equal goals allowed and the opponent’s final score.
- 5-meter goals do not exceed 5-meter attempts.
- 6-on-5 goals do not exceed 6-on-5 opportunities.
- Player names and cap numbers are complete.
- The final score and Stats Taken By fields are complete.
The goal is consistency, not perfection. Follow the ball, record the result of each play, and verify totals after every quarter.
