FAQ - Youth
- WHEN ARE PRACTICES?
- Please see your family for the most up-to-date practice schedule.
- How is BCWP connected to the HS league?
- The short answer is it is not. Although many masters players serve as coaches and officials for the high school league, BCWP is completely independent from the HS league.
- How is communication handled?
- When you register your child this enables coaches to roster your child appropriately. Any communication sent to your child will be automatically copied to you and to any additional email addresses you designate in your profile.
- How do I RSVP to practice?
- You can RSVP by opening te Crossbar App and clicking the green checkmark indicating the practice you will attend. It is important to RSVP to practices for practices so that coaches can adequately plan practices appropriate for the number expected.
- I am going to miss a practice. Whom do I email?
- Setting your RSVP status is the preferred method of communication if you're missing a practice. This helps reduce the number of emails the coaches handle. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, you can notify a coach in the app.
- Is it mandatory to purchase team gear?
- No. We offer team gear since many of our players request it, but it is not mandatory.
- How are tournaments handled?
- The coaches will contact you prior to the tournament if your child is selected for the tournament. Some tournaments are invite only. Additional costs will be communicated with the invitation. If cost is every an issue, please be sure to communicate it to your coach.
- How are tournament invitations determined?
- Invitations are at the coaches' discretion. We weigh several factors when assembling teams, including practice attendance, player ability, position, and level of competition. We try not to bring squads that are too large so that players' playing time suffers, nor too small that players are over-extended.
- How is travel to tournaments handled?
- Unless otherwise stated in the invitation, travel and lodging at tournaments are the responsibility of the parent.
- When does BCWP play? Is there a year-round calendar?
- Summer - typically following Memorial Day until the first week or August, our summer session include 4-6 practices each week, along with multiple tournaments. This session is where most players develop their skills greatly.
- Fall/Winter - we have one open practice a week. Many of our top players attend camps. ODP is usually held at this time.
- Spring - the HS season occurs here. Outside of the occasional open practice, we usually do not have many formally organized events for age group players.
- What is a water polo camp? Should I send my child to one?
- There are camps held throughout the country which are aimed at individual skill development. Many of our better players attend camps. Typically, these camps are run by collegiate coaches, ex-Olympians, and/or other high level athletes who have extensive knowledge of the game.
- What is ODP? What are JOs?
- USAWP hosts the Olympic Development Program (ODP), which is a series of camps and tournaments aimed at providing more playing opportunities for players in front of college coaches. USAWP also hosts the Junior Olympics (JOs), which is a large age-group tournament. While it's not required to attend these events, we encourage our players to play as much as they can to gain experience--there is only upside for attending these events. If you're interested, talk with a coach.
- What are my child's options post high school?
- We hope that each child strongly considers playing water polo beyond high school. In college, some schools offer varsity water polo, and many others offer club water polo. The CWPA offers a good breakdown of the differences between varsity and club water polo. Additionally, we hope players consider joining the masters team if they stay in town. If you are interested in playing at the varsity level in college, talk to a coach.
- Is it necessary to join a club swim team?
- Although it is not necessary to join a club swim team, we encourage our players to consider it, especially our more serious players; more strength, speed, and endurance in the water will only improve your game.