About Us

The Canterbury Waterpolo Board has been in existence since the 1950s.  Originally under the auspices of the Canterbury Swimming Federation, the board separated in 1986 and then became an Incorporated Society in 1990.


It plays a large role in the development and implementation of waterpolo training and competitions throughout Canterbury in all ages from Primary School to Senior Men’s and Women’s’ level.


Each stage in a player’s involvement in waterpolo is as important as the next providing a framework for their future and for the future of the sport. Therefore we aim to provide the players with positive, encouraging and rewarding experiences through training, competitions and tours within New Zealand and internationally.


As any sport at a high level that depends on the young players who are coming through, Canterbury Waterpolo saw the need to establish strong roots in the junior levels. In establishing the Canterbury Aquatic Education Programme while assisting the existing Flippa Ball and Junior waterpolo programmes established by the NZWPA we are ensuring the future of the sport, by encouraging waterpolo at the most junior level.


Aims


  • To promote the sport of water polo in the Canterbury region and the skills required for this sport in a wide range of population groups.
  • Further develop the foundations and ability of the local teams in providing competition to other centers of New Zealand and Australia
  • Give local players the positive and developmental experiences necessary to further their sporting futures in waterpolo.
  • Develop the ability and experience of our new and existing coaches to allow them to provide the best training and playing conditions for our players here in New Zealand.
  • Help reduce the statistics of drowning by developing children’s’ transferable skills that not only enable players to enjoy pool water, but other aquatic areas which Water Safety New Zealand have been identified by as potentially dangerous.

Public Documents

​​​​​​​Policies

FAQs

Registrations

Q. Do I have to register my child/ren every term?A. Yes, you will need to re-register your child/ren each term for both the Swimming and Water Polo training. The registrations do not roll over into the next term. You will however be invited via email to reregister. The email with contain a link to the new registration form with standard details (name, address etc.) already entered from previous registration. Please note each link is unique to each player.

Q. What happens if my child gets injured during the term and can’t attend a session?A. You will need to contact the registration officer with a medical/DR certificate in order to obtain a partial refund. No refund for a change of mind however.

Q. My child cannot attend all sessions? Do I still have to pay the full sub?A. Yes, you will still be required to pay the full sub. It is up to the player/parents as to their level of commitment however players must know that team selection could be compromised.

Q. What is the age group my child should be in?

A. The age group you are in is determined by your age as of 2nd January. If your birthday is 01.01.2008 so turned 12 on this day, then for the 2020 season you are in the U12 age group. It is the year you turned 12. So were 11 on 31.12.19.　

U12  1 Jan 2008 or later

U14 1 Jan 2006 - 31 Dec 2007

U16 1 Jan 2004 - 31 Dec 2005

U18 1 Jan 2002 - 31 Dec 2003

U21 1 Jan 1999 - 31 Dec 2001

Senior 31 Dec 1998 or earlier

Q. What swimming ability does my child need to participate in Water polo?A. U12 – 200m unassisted. U14 – Senior TBC

Q. Can I just turn up once to see if I like it, then pay if I want to join?A. If you are wanting to have a go before committing please contact your age group manager. If you are wanting to continue after 3 sessions, you must register online.

Attendance

Q. I play two sports and trainings conflict; what do I do?A. CWP recognises sometimes players have conflicting commitments; we recommend you talk to your coach before registering to be sure you are both clear about your presence at trainings.

Q. NZ Water Polo has me registered with my home team: a. how can I change that, b. I still want to play for them but can I train with CWP? Or c. Can I play for both regions?A. You can either transfer to CWP or be loaned to CWP from your current club. Both require forms to be completed by both the player and existing club. These are available on the NZWP website.

Q. If my child is sick and can’t make the training sessions do I need to let anyone know?A. You coach will set their own expectations around this. It may be that players will need to text or email the coach prior to training.　

Team Selection

Q. Who do I contact if I have concerns about my child's involvement in CWP i.e. not making teams I think they should be in and not being eligible for training in the higher age group.A. A convenor will be named with each section. The convenor can be contacted however selectors and coaches cannot. The convenor will work with the individuals concerned to clarify any questions.　

Uniform

Q. Does my child need to have CWP togs?A. CWP togs are not required for training however it is expected that if your child is named in a Nationals team that they will have the CWP togs.　

Q. Where can I buy/sell CPW uniforms?A. Head along to our Uniforms page on our website. Complete the online form and our uniform officer will be in touch.　

Tournaments　

​​​​​​​Q. How much does each tournament cost and when will invoices be sent out.A. Each tournament will be different. Managers will be working with parents on arrangements to keep costs as low as possible. Invoices will be sent once the team has been announced and travel arrangements have been made. Managers will be able to give you a rough estimate when the team is announced.　

Q. Do I have to complete a medical form and code of conduct form for each tournament my child is to attend?A. Yes, medical information can change and it is important that travelling managers are aware of this. If the player chooses not to disclose this then full responsibility is on the player.

When can I play?

The CWP calendar depends greatly on the NZWP calendar. We facilitate the following during the four school terms. With the main competitions outlined further for 2023. Below is typical based on historical calendars and should not be taken to be accurate for this coming year. 

Term 1 - Seniors, U21s, U18s, Secondary School Seniors, Year 7/8s

Term 2 - Seniors, U21s, U18s, U16s, U12s, Year 7/8s, Mini Polo

Term 3 - U16s, U14s, U12s, Year 7/8s, Mini Polo

Term 4 - Seniors, U18s, U14s, U12s, Secondary School Juniors, Year 7/8s

Seniors - Competition runs from Feb - June

Under 21s - Nationals are at the start of July

Under 18s - Nationals are at the start of October

Under 16s - Nationals in late September

Under 14s - Nationals are just before Christmas

Under 12s - Main competition at the end of October

Policy Documents

All Canterbury WaterPolo members are also affiliated members of New Zealand Water Polo and have a responsibility to follow the New Zealand Water Polo Codes of Conduct and policies.   These are published on the New Zealand Water Polo website.  NZWP Policy Documents​​​​​​​

New Zealand Water Polo Code of Conduct

  • Agreed and signed by all CWP members during online registration

New Zealand Water Polo Coaches Code of Conduct 

  • Agreed and signed by all CWP coaches

New Zealand Water Polo Social Media Guidelines

Terms and Conditions​​​​​​​

  • Players/Caregivers will abide by all reasonable requests of the coach and/or manager.

  • Players/Caregivers will show respect for the coaches, pool staff and other team members.

  • Players/Caregivers will abide by all of the requirements of the venues they train and play in. (Strictly no changing pool side at CCC venues)

  • Players/Caregivers will not display abusive behaviour.

  • The consumption of alcohol and/or illegal substances is banned during any training or games. 

  • If a disciplinary situation arises that results in the expulsion of a the player, the player will be sent home and the player/parent will be liable for any additional costs.


PAYMENTS

  • I understand that upon submission of this registration, I agree to pay the associated training fees.  

  • Players will not be permitted to train until registration is complete.

  • Strictly "no pay, no play" rule applies.

  • The club has expensive overheads, such as pool hire and staff wages. These overheads need to be allocated across all players. To ensure this is as fair as possible it is done by age group rather than per individual. We are unable to offer a reduction in term fees if an individual is unavailable for some of the trainings offered. 


AGE GROUP PLAYING UP

  •  Playing up is by invitation only by The Director of coaching Csaba Rull

  • Players will be charged the full training cost for the higher term fee and 50% reduction in all other term fees applicable.


REFUNDS

  •  Requests for refunds will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  •  Refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances. Refund requests should be emailed to accounts@canterburywaterpolo.org.nz  for consideration by the board.

  • Any refund will incur an administration fee of $10

  • Holiday camps are strictly non-refundable.

  • Tournament deposits are strictly non-refundable. 


SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS 

  • Schools withdrawing from tournaments (SISS)  after the registration closing date will be charged the full entry fee.


By agreeing to these terms and conditions you are also agreeing to abide by NZWP Code of Conduct. Click here for full terms and conditions.