12 & UNDER - COED

12 and Under Water Polo is a youth version of the traditional water polo game, designed for children aged 12 years or younger. This variant of the sport includes modifications to the rules and playing conditions to suit the development of young players while fostering an environment of learning, fun, and safety. Here's a detailed description of 12 and Under Water Polo:

Game Objectives:

• Skill Development: Focuses on developing fundamental water polo skills, including swimming, ball handling, passing, and shooting.
• Teamwork and Strategy: Introduces basic team strategies and fosters teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Enjoyment: Ensures the game is enjoyable and engaging to build a lasting interest in the sport.

Rules and Adaptations:

• Team Size: Often consists of smaller teams, typically 6 players per side (including a goalkeeper), to ensure more active participation.
• Pool Size: Can be played in a smaller pool or a shallow-deep configuration as well as smaller goal sizes to accommodate different skill levels and enhance safety.
• Game Duration: Games are shorter than adult matches, with periods typically ranging from 5 to 7 minutes each, often with 4 quarters.
• Ball Size: Uses a slightly smaller and lighter ball than adult regulation, facilitating easier handling and shooting for younger players.
• Goal Size: May use slightly smaller goals than standard adult goals to match the reduced scale of the game.
• Coaching: Coaches may provide more direct guidance during games, even from the pool deck, to assist with player development and understanding of the game.

Skills Development:

• Swimming: Enhances swimming proficiency, including treading water, and swimming techniques specific to water polo.
• Ball Skills: Improves hand-eye coordination and ball handling skills, such as passing, catching, and shooting.
• Game Understanding: Develops a basic understanding of game rules, positions, and simple tactics.

Safety and Supervision:

• Supervision: Close supervision by coaches, referees, and lifeguards to ensure the safety of all participants.
• Equipment: Players wear appropriate gear, including water polo caps with ear protectors, to prevent injuries.

Benefits:

• Physical Fitness: Promotes cardiovascular health, strength, and overall physical fitness through continuous movement and exercise.
• Social Development: Encourages the development of social skills through teamwork and interaction with peers.
• Confidence and Discipline: Builds self-confidence and discipline through skill mastery and understanding of the game.

League and Tournament Play:

• Local Leagues and Clubs: Many communities have local leagues and clubs offering regular play and organized tournaments.
• Focus on Learning: Emphasis is on learning, participation, and enjoyment rather than intense competition, although some competitive elements are introduced.
• Skill-Based Grouping: Players may be grouped by skill level to ensure balanced competition and appropriate challenge levels.

12 and Under Water Polo is designed to be an introductory and developmental stage in a young athlete's water polo journey. It emphasizes learning the fundamentals of the sport, improving physical fitness, and fostering a love for water polo in a safe and supportive environment.

Ages 10 - 12

Eligibility is determined by the athlete's age as of August 1, 2024.

Please complete the Registration Forms 2024 prior to registering for any other session. You will only be asked to complete these forms once a year. These forms must be submitted before participating in any pool activities.