If you'd like to fill out our "2025 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

A tiered Athlete Membership Structure: Click Here for a breakdown of ALL membership types, pricing, and perks.

Online Membership Login *Note: Prices are subject to change based on the membership year.*

Membership Type Definitions

UPGRADE AVAILABLE: All current USAWP Athlete memberships are able to be upgraded to a different membership type. Cost is the difference in price plus an $8 fee, with the exception of promotional memberships which may have different requirements or fees.

E-membership cards can be accessed in the member's profile for FREE. Mote: A Lapsed or Action Required membership cannot be upgraded until status is "current".

If you wish to speak to a representative, then reach us at memberships@usawaterpolo.org

To find out which sanctioned events require bronze/silver, view chart or visit the Event Sanctions page.

Age Eligibility Guidelines

Age Eligibility FAQs

For Domestic Events (exception: ODP)
A player's age division is determined by the athlete's age on August 1st of the year in which the tournament is being held.
Example: If a player is 14 years old on August 1, they are eligible to compete in the 14&U division. If an athlete turns 15 on or before August 1st, his/her age is 15 on August 1st and is therefore no longer eligible for the 14&U division. They are, however, able to participate in the 16&U division.

For Olympic Development Program (ODP)
ODP age groups are based on year of birth. An athlete participating in ODP shall attend the ODP Camp that corresponds with his or her year of birth. Athletes maybe moved up based on the discretion of the High Performance Director or National Team staff.

For International Competition
Age shall be determined as of December 31 of the year of competition.

For Masters (19+) Events
Age shall be determined as of December 31 of the year of competition.

Junior Olympics Exemption

Regardless of Age Eligibility requirement for domestic participation listed above, current U.S. athletes who are 19 years old and in their high school graduating class of the year in which JOs is held may still be allowed to participate in the 18&U Division of National Junior Olympics.
Ex: If you graduate in June of 2016 and will turn 19 on July 26th - you are still eligible to participate in the 18&U Division at the 2016 National Junior Olympics.

To apply for this exemption - please complete the JO 18U Age Exception Form PRIOR to the applicable roster deadline (See roster deadlines HERE). Please allow for additional processing time before roster submission.

Athlete must request an Official transcript from their high school (U.S. based schools only) sent to the USAWP National Office for arrival AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR to roster deadline. This transcript must be mailed or hand-delivered to USAWP in a sealed envelope directly from school with official school seal - any transcripts that have been opened will not be accepted. Note: transcript will be used to confirm year in school only. This will not be used for any other purpose. International transcripts not accepted.

USA Water Polo will contact coach and athlete with application status after receiving required information.

Please send official transcripts to:
USA Water Polo
Attn: Junior Olympics
6 Morgan Suite #150
Irvine, CA 92618

Club Affiliation Policy

Club Affiliation Policy FAQs

Athlete and coach members must select a club affiliation upon registering with USA Water Polo. In addition, members may change his/her club affiliation within the open transfer periods. Open transfer periods are determined by the affiliation deadlines defined in the USA Water Polo Conduct of Championships for USA Water Polo National Championship Events. USA Water Polo requires all athletes participating in a National Championship Events (ex: Junior Olympic Zone Qualifier, Junior Olympics, Champions Cup, etc.) to "lock in" their club affiliation prior to the tournament and/or qualifier tournament. The affiliation lock is necessary to govern our National Championship Events as we are unable to determine the intent of a member's participation in a particular event. All current athletes (silver, gold) are able to participate in club practices and sanctioned events, regardless of affiliation, unless otherwise stated in the rules for a particular event. The affiliation deadlines are outlined in the red Conduct of Championships Excerpt Tab above and can be found in section 6.2 (a) - Eligibility - of the USA Water Polo Conduct of Championships.

Junior Olympics Affiliation Deadline (All age divisions)
Athletes must select the proper club affiliation on or before their zone qualifying tournament Roster Lock Down in which that athlete is to participate or July 1st, whichever comes first. Affiliation lock will open after close of tournament. Athletes participating in the 10 & Under GIRLS division DO need to meet the affiliation requirement. (this is a change from a previous policy)

Champions Cup
Athletes must select the proper club affiliation seven (7) days prior to their zone qualifying tournament in which the athlete is to participate or October 15th, whichever comes first.

Note: Lapsed members from the previous membership year who do not renew prior to the affiliation deadline will be automatically locked in to his/her previous club affiliation.

Click Here for the most up to date junior olympics requirements deadlines.

Conduct of Championships Excerpt

Eligibility
Athlete Eligibility

• All athletes competing in a Zone Qualification Tournament or a Championship Finals must be currently registered USA Water Polo Gold level members.
• Other than as provided in Article 6.2(a)(5) for National Junior Olympics, an athlete must compete in a Zone Qualification Tournament and Championship Finals for the club with which that athlete is affiliated as set forth on the USA Water Polo website as of the earlier of: (a) 9:00 p.m. prevailing Pacific Time seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the Zone Qualification Tournament in which that athlete is to participate or (b) July 1st of the year in which the Championship Finals are held. Following the commencement of the Zone Qualification Tournament, an athlete that has been rostered for a Zone Qualification Tournament for National Junior Olympics may only compete for the club on which that athlete was rostered, without regard to whether or not the athlete actually competes for that club in the Zone Qualification Tournament for which the roster was submitted.
• For the Champions Cup, an athlete must compete in a Zone Qualification Tournament and Championship Finals for the club with which that athlete is affiliated as set forth on the USA Water Polo website as of the date that the athlete is added to a club's roster. If an athlete is affiliated with a club other than the club for which that athlete wishes to compete in the Women's U.S. Open of Water Polo, that athlete may compete for the club with which they wish to compete in that Championship without regard to the club affiliation deadlines prescribed in Article 6.2(a)(2) and (3).
• Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6.2(a)(2) and (3), an athlete may affiliate with a new club after the dates permitted in those sections if: (a) (i) the athlete obtains the prior written consent of USA Water Polo's Chief Executive Officer, or his/her designee, (ii) the request to affiliate with a new club is due to the relocation of the athlete's family's principal place of residence after the deadline for affiliation with a new club as set forth in those articles and (iii) the athlete has not competed for another club in a Zone Qualifying Tournament or Championship Final for the Championship in which the waiver is being sought or (b) the athlete was not a registered member of USA Water Polo during the membership year in which the Championship is being held and the entire previous membership year.
• An athlete may compete for only one team in a Championship in a particular age group. Subject to the provisions of Section 6.2(a)(2) and (3), an athlete may compete for more than one team in a Championship provided that: (a) the teams are affiliated with the same club, (b) the teams are playing in different age groups and (c) the athlete is otherwise eligible to compete in each Championship in which the athlete seeks to compete.
• In the event that a club qualifies only one team for a Championship Finals, any athlete eligible to play for that club in that Championship may compete for that club in that Championship Finals, whether or not such player was on the roster of the team that qualified for that Championship Finals in the Zone Qualifying Tournament.
• In the event that a club qualifies more than one team for a Championship Finals, any athlete who was on the roster of a team that qualified for that Championship Finals during the Zone Qualifying Tournament may compete in the Championship Finals only for the team on whose roster that athlete was listed during the Zone Qualifying Tournament. In the event that a club qualifies more than one team for a Championship Finals, any athlete eligible to play for that water polo club in that Championship, other than an athlete who was on the roster of another team that qualified for that Championship Finals during the Zone Qualifying Tournament, may compete for any team entered by that water polo club in the Championship Finals, whether or not such player was on the roster of the team that qualified for that Championship Finals in the Zone Qualifying Tournament.[1]
• In the event that a club enters more than one team in a Zone Qualification Tournament, a player may be on the roster of only one team in that Zone Qualification Tournament. In the event that a club qualifies more than one team for a Championship Finals, a player may be on the roster of only one team during that Championship Finals.[2]

[1] For example, if a water polo club entered three teams in a Zone Qualifying Tournament (teams A, B and C) and teams A and B qualified for the Championship Finals, but team C did not qualify for the Championship Finals, the athletes on the roster of team A in the Zone Qualifying Tournament could only compete on team A in the Championship Finals, the athletes on the roster of team B in the Zone Qualifying Tournament could only compete on team B in the Championship Finals and the athletes on the roster of team C could compete on either team A or team B in the Championship Finals, assuming that all of the athletes on the rosters of teams A, B and C for the Zone Qualifying Tournament continued to be otherwise eligible to compete for that club at the time of the Championship Finals. In addition, either of team A or team B could add players to its roster for the Championship Finals who were otherwise eligible to compete for the club, but who did not compete in the Zone Qualifying Tournament.

[2] Each age group/gender division of the National Junior Olympics is a different Championship. Therefore, this Section would not preclude an athlete from being listed on the rosters of two teams entered in the Junior Olympics, provided that the two teams were in different age groups.

To ensure fair, safe competition, USA Water Polo has some requirements for athlete participation. These requirements vary among the level of participation. After purchase or renewal of membership, the athlete must follow Age Eligibility guidelines, affiliate with a specific club entity, and verify birth date (birth date verification is currently only for National Championship events).

Birth Date Verification

Birthdate Verification FAQs

USA Water Polo requires Birth Date Verification for athletes participating in USA Water Polo National Championship and Regional Signature Events, ex: Junior Olympics, Masters Nationals, etc. Although all members may complete this one-time process.

Birth Date Verification is a ONE-TIME CHARGE of $7.00 paid online through USA Water Polo Online Membership Account. Members may choose the expedited process for $8.00. Members must upload a copy of their birth certificate, passport, OR REAL ID upon completion of payment. Standard Drivers License or ID without the REAL ID notation is NOT ACCEPTED. Documentation will be purged from the USAWP system once the birth date has been confirmed.

Additional fees may be required for expedited requests and mailed in forms. Standard process takes 3-5 business days from the date of upload completion. Expedited is checked daily during business days and will be processed with 1-2 business days from the date of upload completion. Reminder: you MUST upload one of the required documents - additional time will be necessary if you do not upload one of the approved documents and additional information may be required.

ALL MEMBERS (ex: coach, silver, bronze, etc.) are strongly encouraged to complete the birth date verification process upon initial registration should a member wish to participate as an athlete in a National event at a later date. This is a ONE-TIME charge and process. Members that have completed this process will have their date of birth hard coded into the system, there will not be a need to do it again.

Updated Shieldy Scholarship LIVE as of April 15^th, 2023
New Qualifying Guidelines
Free/Reduced Lunch Forms No Longer Qualify for Shieldy Scholarship
 
Authorized Documents for Submission as Follows:
Scholarships/financial aid recipient in grade school (18 or younger) with official school letter stating financial support.
Other financial aid documents can be submitted for review when you apply

Click Here on How to Apply

If you'd like to fill out our "2025 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

Membership is required in order to participate in USA Water Polo practices and sanctioned events. Membership is a privilege, not a right. All participants must first select the membership prior to participation. Professional members also require additional certifications and/or training. Upon login as a coach member, your requirements progress will be listed with additional links to begin, renew, or review.

UPGRADE AVAILABLE: All current USAWP coach memberships are able to be upgraded to a higher level. Cost is the difference in price plus an $8 fee, with the exception of promotional memberships which may have different requirements or fees. E-membership cards can be accessed through the member's account. A Lapsed or Action Required membership cannot be upgraded.

Click Here for ALL membership types, pricing, and benefit.

As indicated in the Rules Governing Conduct, in order to complete the registration process as a professional member, individuals must have a current background screening on file with the National Office. Each successful background screening is good for up to a two (2) year period, with a re-check after one year. Any failed screenings, also known as Red Lights, will receive notification that they do not meet the criteria, and have the ability to request a waiver. If a waiver is not requested or the panel does not grant a waiver, the membership will be cancelled.

The cost for the background screen required by USA Water Polo is $30 plus $1.25 service fee. This fee will be paid to NCSI by the applicant at the time that he/she goes online to initiate a background screen. NCSI accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express for online transactions. There may be additional fees for International applicants.

Click here to learn more about the background screening process and to initiate a screening

USAWP and the U.S. Center for SafeSport offer training regarding how to respond to misconduct in sport and the measures we can all take to protect athletes. Learning about the types of misconduct is an important step to recognize, reduce and respond effectively to inappropriate and potential harmful behavior. As indicated in the Rules Governing Coaches Conduct, all coach members must complete SafeSport Training before contact with athletes begin.

Guide Here on how to take your SafeSport Course now.

Learn More About SafeSport

All USA Water Polo coaches must have current SafeSport, CPR and First Aid certification on file at the National Office. Current EMT, Paramedic, and ACLS Certification is also accepted.

USA Water Polo's CPR and First Aid certification acceptance now requires the online upload within your membership profile. Please LOGIN using your USA Water Polo membership and upload your current certifications in the designated tabs. Please note This is not a certification course.

If you do not have current CPR and First Aid accredited certifications, you may choose the course that best fits you. Please be sure you complete accredited Adult CPR Training and First Aid Training to fulfill the USAWP requirements.

Approval can take 1-3 business days, unless information is incorrect or not legible . Please be sure to submit your certifications in advance, so your account will remain current. You will be notified via email when your certifications are close to the expiration date. For any questions regarding this process please call the office at (714)-500-5020 or email membership at membership@usawaterpolo.org

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

USAWP Concussion Information Sheet (Required for members during registration process)

If you'd like to fill out our "2025 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

The first step for a prospective referee is to select and register for one of the qualifying referee memberships. Referee members also require additional certifications and training. Click "Join now" on the top right of the screen to begin your referee membership registration process. If you are an existing member and would like to upgrade to a referee membership, click HERE.

Click Here for ALL membership types, pricing, and benefits.

Background, CPR/First Aid Certification, SafeSport, Concussion and Head Injury

To access your requirements and their status, log into your member page and scroll down to the "referee member requirements" on the welcome screen. The links to complete the certifications are provided to the right of each individual requirement.

BACKGROUND

As indicated in the Rules Governing Conduct, in order to complete the registration process as a professional member, individuals must have a current background screening on file with the National Office. Each successful background screening is good for up to a two (2) year period, with a re-check after one year. Any failed screenings, also known as Red Lights, will receive notification that they do not meet the criteria, and have the ability to request a waiver. If a waiver is not requested or the panel does not grant a waiver, the membership will be cancelled.

The cost for the background screen required by USA Water Polo is $30 plus $1.25 service fee. This fee will be paid to NCSI by the applicant at the time that he/she goes online to initiate a background screen. NCSI accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express for online transactions. There may be additional fees for International applicants.

Click here to learn more about the background screening process and to initiate a screening

SAFESPORT

USAWP and the U.S. Center for SafeSport offer training regarding how to respond to misconduct in sport and the measures we can all take to protect athletes. Learning about the types of misconduct is an important step to recognize, reduce and respond effectively to inappropriate and potential harmful behavior. As indicated in the Rules Governing Referee Conduct, all referee members must complete SafeSport Training before contact with athletes begin.

Guide Here on how to take your SafeSport Course now.

Learn More About SafeSport

CONCUSSION and HEAD INJURY

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

USAWP Concussion Information Sheet (Required for members during registration process)

RULES EXAM

Once registered as a referee member, individuals must take and pass the referee rules exam each year. The test is located within your USAWP membership account.

Click Here on how to take your Ref test now.

CERTIFICATION

New Referees:

Contact your Zone Head Referee to complete the required practical component and/or observation.

Once you complete your "on deck" observation you are certified as a "Level 1" referee and subject to the assignment criteria and limits set forth by your Zone.

Attend and successfully complete a USAWP Referee School at the earliest opportunity within your zone. "In Person" Schools will be offered in conjunction with USAWP and ODP events throughout the country and are required for certification of ALL Referees every two years.

1. Basic Certification Course (COMING SOON)
2. On-Deck Training
3. Referee School

Returning Referees:

Attend and successfully complete a USAWP Referee School. "In Person" Schools will be offered in conjunction with USAWP and ODP events throughout the country and are required for certification of ALL Referees every two years.

Register with ArbiterSports.com

Arbiter Assignment Platform: Referees will need to be registered with ArbiterSports to receive officiating assignments for USA Water Polo Events. Access to the USAWP Arbiter Site is included in your membership fee. Click here to register: Arbiter Sports

Click Here for FAQs and more information

Click Here to report an incident

If you'd like to fill out our "2025 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

Membership is required in order to participate as a club administrator in USA Water Polo. Membership is a privilege, not a right. All participants must first select the membership prior to participation. If a club administrator is not already a coach, referee, or other member, a club administrator membership is available. Additional certifications and/or training are also required. Upon login as a club admin member, you will find links to begin, renew, or review your requirements.

Click Here for ALL membership types, pricing, and benefits.

As indicated in the Rules Governing Conduct, in order to complete the registration process as a professional member, individuals must have a current background screening on file with the National Office. Each successful background screening is good for up to a two (2) year period, with a re-check after one year. Any failed screenings, also known as Red Lights, will receive notification that they do not meet the criteria, and have the ability to request a waiver. If a waiver is not requested or the panel does not grant a waiver, the membership will be cancelled.

The cost for the background screen required by USA Water Polo is $30 plus $1.25 service fee. This fee will be paid to NCSI by the applicant at the time that he/she goes online to initiate a background screen. NCSI accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express for online transactions. There may be additional fees for International applicants.

Click here to learn more about the background screening process and to initiate a screening

USAWP and the U.S. Center for SafeSport offer training regarding how to respond to misconduct in sport and the measures we can all take to protect athletes. Learning about the types of misconduct is an important step to recognize, reduce and respond effectively to inappropriate and potential harmful behavior. As indicated in the Rules Governing Referee Conduct, all professional members must complete SafeSport Training before contact with athletes begin.

Learn More About SafeSport

Club Administrators help in a variety of ways, depending upon the club structure, from running the operations of the club, scheduling pool time, registering for tournaments, arranging travel, ensuring players/coaches are up to date on membership requirements, to creating rosters and collecting payments and managing many other pieces in between.

An important role of the Club Administrator is to serve as a communications liaison between USA Water Polo and their team, i.e informing them of upcoming changes or new policies. Club Administrators have additional admin privileges within the online membership database.

For individuals who are not coaching but still involved in the administration of the club, we have a separate Club Administrator membership available for nominal fee. If you'd like to fill out our "2024 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

• A club administrator does not have competition privileges as athletes, coaches, and referees
• Athletes, coaches, and referees can have club administrator privileges
• Coaches have access to sanctioned rosters as part of their membership, so not all coaches need to have admin access

Like your children, it is important for you to demonstrate good sportsmanship on the pool deck. Make sure you get your kids to practice on time, this shows respect to the coaches and other athletes, and allows your child the opportunity to learn all that they can during practices. Please show respect all times to other parents, fans, referees, coaches, and athletes. Recognize good performance by both teams, and never criticize your child for their performance or for losing. Most importantly, please remember that your child plays water polo for their enjoyment, not for yours. A few ways to get involved and become a better water polo parent include learning to work the table and learning to coach. Running the table is extremely important to the overall success of a competition/tournament. Developmental soccer, basketball, football, etc are most often coached by parents in little leagues. You don't need water polo specific experience to coach. Talk to your club about how you can get involved!

If you'd like to fill out our "2025 Membership Form" for an additional $5, click HERE and a staff member will contact you once the google form is complete.Please note: Any forms prior to 2023 will no longer be accepted.

Click Here for ALL membership types, pricing, and benefits.

The USAWP Parent Handbook is an excellent resource for parents. To view or download the handbook, click the Quick Link to the right.

ATHLETE: Gold, Silver, Bronze tiered membership system. Additional types include college/young professional, shieldy scholarship, heritage and trial. View Athletes section for more info.

PROFESSIONAL: Coach, Referee, Club Administrator options.

OTHER: Parent/Fan/Booster: for volunteers, friends, and fans, and for those who do not belong to a USA Water Polo club; no USA Water Polo practice, clinic, playing eligibility or insurance included). Eligible for a discount on tickets to all USAWP national championship events and will receive Skipshot Magazine.

Registrations and renewals can be done online or through our forms, click here to view our membership forms. Please note, additional fees may apply.

The principles of PCA are in perfect alignment with the ethics of USAWP as we strive to honor the sport and all of our participants. PCA can also be a differentiator for our sport among all the youth sports offered. Creating an atmosphere that recognizes and rewards achievement on many levels will keep kids in our sport longer. Also, as we reach down into the younger ages with our Splashball program, it is critical to have our coaches and parents focusing on the proper behaviors to begin shaping the young athlete's mastery of the skills.