FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING DEL MAR WATER POLO
How do I play water Polo??
1. Why should I join Del Mar Water Polo Club?
With a top-notch coaching staff and state-of- the-art practice facilities, Del Mar Water Polo Club is the preeminent competitive youth water polo club in the San Diego area. Since its founding, the club has been ranked among the nation’s best 16U and 18U programs annually. It has expanded its focus over time to include development of players in the younger age groups, successfully competing in the national Junior Olympics tournament at every age level, 10U through 18U. In addition to competing in the national Junior Olympics, our players have competed at the Youth National team level, and have gone on to play at the collegiate level.
Coaching is geared toward the capabilities and characteristics of each age group, with the ultimate goal being to develop players’ technical skills, while instilling in them the desire to achieve success through good sportsmanship, teamwork and commitment to pursuing their personal best. The coaches at each age level are dedicated professionals certified by USA Water Polo and have played at the highest levels of the sport. The team practices at Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley, enjoying exclusive use of the 50-meter pool and access to the weight-room facilities. The team’s secondary practice site is Del Norte High School located in 4S Ranch..
2. What is the participation commitment?
Each age group team competes on a year-round basis. Individual players register for the session(s) they wish to participate in:
Fall Session: September to November
Winter Session: December to February
Spring Session: March to May
Summer Session: June to August (Junior Olympics tournament)
Players in the older age groups (14U and above) typically play year-round. High school-age players that play on their school team during the Fall season do not play for the club team during that session.
3. What is Junior Olympics?
The annual Junior Olympics tournament hosted by USA Water Polo is the largest age group water polo tournament in the nation. Teams from across the country participate in qualifying tournaments for the opportunity to compete in the national tournament held in July of every year.
4. What skills does my athlete need to play?
Beginning players must feel comfortable in the water, be able to swim 100 yards, and be ready to work hard and have fun! We will provide your athlete with the proper fundamentals to excel in the sport.
5. Can I try it out to see if my athlete likes it?
Certainly! We offer a one-time free trial to players who are new to the club. In order to register for the free trial, it is necessary to first register for a free trial membership with USA Water Polo. Free trial information is located HERE.
6. How do I know which age group my athlete belongs in?
The age group breakdown is located under the Programs tab on the home page. To determine which age group your athlete belongs in, consider their age on August 1 of the relevant calendar year. A player who is age 10 or younger on August 1 of a given calendar year would compete on the 10U team during that year. A player who is 11 or 12 on August 1 of a given calendar year would compete on the 12U team during that year, and so on.
7. When can my athlete join Del Mar Water Polo Club?
You may register at any time. We welcome all players from beginner to advanced.
8. What is USA Water Polo and why does my athlete have to join?
USA Water Polo is the national governing body of the sport of water polo. It is under the direction of the United States Olympic Committee. All athletes must be a member of USA Water Polo to practice or compete in tournaments.
9. How much does it cost to join Del Mar Water Polo Club?
Cost information for each age group team is located on each age group team’s individual team page under the Programs tab on the home page.
10. What is an Individual Tournament Account (ITA) fee?
The Individual Tournament Account (ITA) is a means of apportioning the cost of tournaments, leagues and national events between players and the club. Each player selected to participate in a tournament pays an ITA to participate. Payment is made online through our website. ITAs vary and are subject to change, but generally fall within the following range:
$50 for a one-day event
$100 for a two-day event
$135 for a three-day event
$20 per day for scrimmages
11. How do I join Del Mar Water Polo Club?
To join, visit the team page for your athlete’s age group located under the Programs tab on the home page. To join the club, your athlete must have an active membership with USA Water Polo.
12. If I have more questions, whom should I contact?
Contacts for each age group team can be found along the right side of the Programs page, located under the Programs tab on the home page.