carlsbadwaterpolo.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

JOINING OUR PROGRAM

1. Do we have to wait until a new session to begin playing?

Players may join at any point throughout the year. Session dues will be pro-rated based on the date the players begins training.

2. Does an athlete have to participate year-round to be a member?

Due to the competitive nature of our program – Black team players should participate throughout the year. Our team rosters are updated every session, players are continuously evaluated by our coaching staff throughout every session. Players can be moved-up or moved-down based on their current ability. Being on the Black team roster in a previous session does not entitle a player to be on a Black team roster in future sessions.

3. Which division is my player in?

The age of an athlete on August 1 of the competition year determines the age group your player is eligible to compete in. For example, if your child turns 13 years old on July 30, he is considered 13 years old and must play in our 14U division.

10U (8 to 10 years old).

12U (8 to 12 years old).

14U (13 to 14 years old).

16U (15 to 16 years old).

18U (15 to 18 years old).

If you have questions about which team is appropriate for your child, please email carlsbadpolo@yahoo.com for additional info.

4. What are the expectations of parents of Carlsbad Water Polo players?

• We ask parents to do their best to get players to games 45 minutes prior and simply enjoy the game!
  
• Please do not coach from the bleachers as this can be very confusing for the athletes.
• Please help your child manage their school work load and prioritize their time.
• We are training our players to become elite athletes, so encourage your child to stay hydrated (stop drinking soda), get adequate rest, and eat quality foods.

5. What is the difference between Black, Silver and White Teams?

• Black teams are comprised of the top 10-15 players in an age group. These teams are competitive and playing time is never guaranteed. Players on a Black team are expected to attend all practices, games and tournaments. Black team players should make water polo their top extra curricular activity.
• Silver and White teams are comprised of players who either need to develop water polo skills or players who are exploring other activities.

6. What equipment do we need?

• New players need a suit they are comfortable swimming in, towel and goggles (only worn during swim conditioning sets).
• Advanced players should own a team suit, goggles, stretch band, weight belt, water bottle, water polo ball, foam roller and massage ball (lacrosse ball). Total cost of recommended equipment is approximately $100-$150.

GAMES, TOURNAMENTS, JUNIOR OLYMPICS

1. Do tournaments and games cost extra?

Yes. Session dues cover practices and scrimmages. Tournaments and leagues are not included in our regular session dues and costs between $50-$125 per event.

2. How early should we arrive before a game?

• Athletes should be at the pool 45 minutes prior to the posted game time.
• This allows athletes to properly warm-up and get acclimated with the venue.
• This allows for wiggle room for unpredictable SoCal traffic.

3. How do we know where and when our games are?

• We typically receive a final tournament schedule approximately 4 to 5 days before an event.
• When we receive games times and locations we will post them on our TEAM CALENDAR.
• Any changes are updated on our calendar.
• For last minute schedule changes, a broadcast email will be sent out.

4. What is J.O.'s?

J.O.'s is the National Junior Olympics hosted by USAWP each year in California.

• J.O.'s is a massive tournament comprised of multiple age divisions and levels.
• J.O.'s 10U, 12U and 14U tournament is held at the end of May.
• J.O.'s 16U and 18U tournament is held at the end of June.
• Teams competing in the Platinum division are vying for a National Championship.
• USAWP divides the United States into zones, and spots in the tournament are allocated based on the number of registered athletes within each zone.
• Teams within each zone must compete in RJO's, a local qualifying tournament. J.O's and RJO's are supplementary to our program and the fee to participate is not included in your session dues. J.O's should be considered the end of our club season and participation should be a goal of all of our athletes.

5. What is USA Water Polo?

• United States Water Polo (USAWP) is the governing body of water polo in the United States.
• USAWP provides supplemental insurance all players must have to practice and play in games.
• Athletes who desire to compete in the National Junior Olympics must have a Gold membership.
• All athletes must have their age verified through USAWP's third-party vendor (one time only).
• All athletes must upload a photo clearly showing the athlete's face into their USAWP membership profile.
• All athletes must have the above criteria completed before participating in practices or games.
• Please contact USAWP directly if you have any questions regarding their memberships. Carlsbad Water Polo code for USAWP is 1634.

PAYING FOR SESSIONS, TOURNAMENTS, GAMES.

1. Do my session dues cover the costs for tournaments and games?

• Session dues cover practices and scrimmages only.
• Session dues vary by season: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer and will be posted.
• Tournaments, games and J.O.'s fees or dues are not included in our session dues.
• Tournaments or games cost between $50-$125 per event.
• J.O.'s cost vary.
• USA Water Polo (USAWP) is the governing body of water polo.
• USAWP fees are separate and renewal is required yearly.

2. How can I pay for session dues?

VENMO

• Download the VENMO app on your phone or computer.
• Set up your Venmo account.
• You will be able to easily send money via Venmo to our email address at: carlsbadpolo@yahoo.com.
• Venmo does not charge a fee to transfer funds from your bank account.
• If you use your credit card via Venmo, you will be charged a service fee from Venmo.

CHECK

• Please make your check payable to:
  Carlsbad Water Polo
  P.O. Box 1724
  Carlsbad, CA 92018

PAYPAL

• If you have a PayPal account, please log in directly and you can transfer funds for no cost.
• For non-PayPal account users, PayPal charges a $15 service fee. This is passed on to you.
• Remember, payment via Venmo, check and cash is free.

  Winter Session Dues

  10U Team $415.00 USD 12U Black and Silver Teams $490.00 USD 14U Black and Silver Teams $515.00 USD 16U Team $490.00 USD 18U Black and Silver Teams $490.00 USD Splashball - 1 X week $165.00 USD Splashball - 2 X week $240.00 USD Kap7 Tournament Fee $115.00 USD WinterFest Tournament Fee $115.00 USD

  

CASH

• Please hand-deliver to Coach James.

SESSION PAYMENT DATE

• Session fees are due prior to a new session. Session start dates are posted on our CALENDAR.
• There is a $25 late fee for payments received after 7 days of a new session.
• For prior payment arrangements made with James Hamilton, please follow those arrangements.