Referees ball

A referees ball is given if two players are in joint possession for more than five seconds, or if play is stopped through no fault of either team when neither team is in possession.One player from each team faces the side of the pool, one metre apart, with their paddles in the water not between the kayaks and their hands on their decks. No other player is permitted within three metres of the place where the ball will enter the water.The referee throws the ball between the players whilst blowing the whistle. Players cannot touch the ball until it hits the water. The referees ball can be retaken if the ball is thrown unfairly. See the diagram below of a referees ball.