Newport Beach Water Polo FAQs

1. Does NBWP offer a free trial?  Athletes interested in trying out NBWP will need to register and pay in full for the current training season. If after 1 week, they realize it is not a fit for them, we will refund the registration fee in full.

2. What if I am new to Water Polo?  NBWP offers Introduction to Water Polo.  Athletes new to water polo should start at the introduction level. Based on the coach assessment, once the athlete is ready to move up to their age group they will be able to do so.

3. How much does it cost? Athletes are responsible to pay for season registration and if rostered, tournament and/or league fees. These costs vary and can be found on the Registration Links.

4. When can an athlete join NBWP Water Polo?    Newport Beach Water Polo runs all year long and we welcome your child anytime.   Experienced players as well as those new to water polo are welcome to join NBWP and should register with the age group that matches their age on August 1st of the current Junior Olympic year. Please click on the registration link on our website at www.newportbeachwaterpolo.com to register. NBWP training sessions are split into four quarters throughout the year: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Although you may join at anytime, we recommend you start at the beginning of a session. 

5. What season is Polo?  NBWP offers polo in 4 quarterly seasons:  Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.  The training intensifies from Fall to Summer, with the Junior Olympic competitions being in the Summer.  Fall runs from late August to November and focuses on conditioning.  HS Boys Water Polo is in it’s competitive season in the Fall, so at times, the youth teams may watch a High School game as a practice session to observe and learn.  Winter is from December to February with the HS Girls Water Polo being in season.  Again, some youth practices will include attending and observing the High School games.  Spring season is from approximately March to May, and the Summer season is from approximately June to August.   Dates are approximate. We also encourage our players to supplement water polo with swimming competitively or with a swim team.  

6. Do I have to tryout or pass a swim test?  Water polo is a competitive, demanding sport that requires proficient swimming skills.  Our philosophy is to be an inclusive program that seeks to develop water polo skills in our community.  If a child is water safe, he or she is welcome to join.  

7. How do I join NBWP?  Visit www.newportbeachwaterpolo.com and click on the “Register” tab on the club’s Home Page to register.  You will also need to obtain a USA Water Polo membership at www.usawaterpolo.org.  You will need a USA Water Polo membership number, prior to registering with Newport Beach Water Polo.

8. How old do you have to be to play water polo?  NBWP offers Splash Ball for players as young as six years old.  The youngest age group for competition is the 10U CoEd age group.  Please talk to a coach if you are unsure if your player is ready to play water polo.  

9. What equipment do we have to purchase or wear?  NBWP has team gear that includes a team speedo, t-shirt and sweatshirt.  All items can be purchased through the NBWP Kap7 Team Store.  Both boys and girls wear water polo caps that are provided by the club for games.  Girls also need to wear a navy, white, or red swim cap depending on what color their team polo cap is for the game, and/or goalie position.  Athletes should also have goggles for warm up.

10. Are parents required or expected to attend practices?  Practices for the 10U age group are open practices and it is up to the parent to stay and watch.   Practices for age groups 12U and higher, are closed practices to allow the players to focus on their coach’s instruction.  If a parent would like to come 10 minutes prior to practice ending, they should remain by the gate at the end of the pool and not on the bleachers.  Parents should also refrain from discussions with coaches during practice sessions.  Closed practices allow for increased focus for the players and less distractions for the coaches.  Open practices will be pre-announced and available for parents to attend.  

11. How is playing time determined?   Our program strives to develop the full potential of each player.  Playing time should not be expected to be distributed equally whether it is in a developmental scrimmage, game, or competition.  It is also understood that a player may receive less or no playing time in a game due to lack of attendance or violating NBWP’s Athlete Code of Conduct.  Distribution of playing time shall be at the discretion of the Head Coaches.  

12. How do I know if my athlete is rostered for a tournament or scrimmage?  Rosters are usually posted a week prior to the tournament starting and can be found on the website calendar and team pages.

13. What if my player or I as a parent have questions?  NBWP’s coaching staff works very hard at building and strengthening the relationship between the coach and player.  Coaches encourage and value open communication with their players.  If your player has questions about the team he or she is placed on or would like to talk about his or her progress, the first step is for the player to speak directly with his or her coach.  If your player feels his or her questions were not answered, the next step would be for the parent and player to meet with the coach.  Parents can also send an email to info@newportbeachwaterpolo.com.

14. How can I learn the rules of Water Polo?  www.usawaterpolo.org

15. Who do I see if I have more questions?  Please contact your coach or send an email to info@newportbeachwaterpolo.com.

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