SplashballTMis back! USA Water Polo’s introduction-to-water-polo program is relaunching this month with a well-rounded approach to skills and water safety. Designed for children ages 5-11, SplashballTMbrings all the fun, exciting aspects of the game in a safe, non-contact, shallow-water aquatic experience. The reformatted program will offer an annual athlete membership of just $10 for the entire calendar year. It will feature water polo and swimming content from Olympians such as Brenda Villa and Genai Kerr alongside education promoting a healthy diet, physical fitness, and fun.
Beyond the fun in the water, SplashballTMnow will provide additional instructional support to those offering the program at a shared venue or their own aquatic facility. The dedicated SplashballTMwebpage (SplashballUSA.org) includes the SplashballTMcurriculum, a coaching manual with 8-week coaching plans, introduction-to-refereeing materials, and game/skill cards. SplashballTMalso will offer a testing mechanism to allow participants to earn a certification of completion. Online video tutorials, a “how-to” brochure, and details on club models are all part of the program and will be available at the SplashballTMwebsite. Many of these materials will be available electronically or in print, allowing clubs and multi-sport organizations a progression plan with objectives, skills, drills, and sample practice plans for each level.
“We are thrilled to be re-launching SplashballTMnationwide,” said Mark Carney, USA Water Polo director of sport growth. “Our grassroots efforts have seen the game grow at the club, high school and collegiate level in recent years. We want that growth to continue, and it starts with SplashballTM. With added tools for ease of use offered to coaches and administrators, quality instruction from Olympic champions—plus a low barrier to entry thanks to discounted memberships—we are excited about what this program can do for the next generation.”
As part of the relaunch, USA Water Polo is bringing back the SplashballTMmembership for both participants and program facilitators (coaches, administrators, parents and referees). The athlete membership is available for players 11 years old and under at a cost of just $10 for the entire calendar year. The membership includes several member benefits including electronic versions of Skip Shot Magazine, USAWP updates, promotions, access to our continuing education materials, and of course, coverage under our comprehensive insurance program. This membership is not intended for tournament or league play (e.g. 10U Dare to Dream) outside of the SplashballTMProgram.
For facilitators, the membership is just $25 for the calendar year and will grant access to and all continuing education curriculum that will be continually created and updated, as well as all other member benefits. Facilitators also have additional compliance requirements: Must maintain current background screening, CPR/First Aid, and SafeSport certifications on file with National Office. Our existing current members can add the participant or facilitator membership at no additional cost, granting access to SplashballTM-specific materials and updates. Exception: trial and heritage members. Regular registration fees will apply.
In order to be eligible for this discounted membership, existing and new SplashballTMprogram administrators MUST register their programs with USA Water Polo before participants can join. Please complete the 2018 Splashball Administrator Program Registrationto register your SplashballTMprogram for the 2018 Season. Upon completion, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register yourself and how to instruct or register your participants.
USA Water Polo is committed to the growth and development of the sport in the United States. We look forward to working with each and every one of you to spread our great game and put water polo in every pool.
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 different championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 45,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout America, fostering grass-roots expansion of the sport and providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials.
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