Club Documents

Player Expectations

Player expectations are essential for maintaining a positive and productive team environment. Here is a list of player expectations for the Humboldt Stingrays Water Polo Club:

Sportsmanship

Players must display good sportsmanship at all times, regardless of the outcome of the game.  This includes accepting victories with humility and defeats with grace, shaking hands with opponents after games, and refraining from rude behaviour.

Continuous Improvement

Players should strive for continuous improvement, setting personal and team goals, seeking feedback from the coaches, and actively working to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

Respect

Players must show respect towards coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators at all times.

Commitment

Consistent attendance demonstrates dedication to the team and personal improvement.

Adherence to Rules

Players must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the club, league, and governing bodies of water polo.  This includes following pool safety guidelines, wearing appropriate equipment, and respecting game officials’ decisions.

Communication

Players should communicate openly and honestly with coaches and teammates, expressing concerns, asking questions, and offering feedback in a respectful manner.

Teamwork

Water polo is a team sport, and players must work together to achieve success.

Rules at Practice

● Please arrive to practice 10 minutes early. All swimmers should be on deck and ready. Assist with net set up and equipment.

● Swimmers should eat a light meal or a snack at least one hour before practice. Food energy is needed for all the swimming you will do!

● Swimmers are expected to respect and listen to the direction and instruction of the coaches at practice. Disrespectful conduct toward coaches will not be tolerated.

● All swimmers are asked to respect each other in and out of the pool.

● We want swimmers to have fun at practice, but we ask for goofing around to be kept to a minimum. It is distracting for those swimmers who are trying to listen.

● Swimmers will have 3 warnings by either a coach or executive member before they are asked to leave.

What to bring to Practice:

● Swim Suit

● Towel

● Water Bottle

● Positive Attitude!!

Parent Expectations

As the parent of the above-named athlete(s), I agree to:

1.  Waive any and all liability and/or responsibility for accident, injury, or loss of personal property against HSWPC (including coaches, board members, and volunteers).

2.  Parent Volunteering

We rely on our amazing parent volunteers to help make the Stingrays program successful.  

Our volunteer positions require registration through RAMP.

Minor Officials

Each family is required to volunteer at minimum, one member to serve as a Minor Official at all competitions in which their child is participating. Minor Official roles include timekeeping, scorekeeping, and acting as game sheet secretary.  Games cannot proceed without volunteers, but if families share responsibility, things will go smoothly!  Parents must be trained and registered as Minor Officials.  Minor Officials receive a free T-shirt at their first competition.  The required training course is free.  During the RAMP registration process, there is a $16 annual insurance fee.  This fee is paid directly through RAMP and provides insurance coverage and ensures you are protected should an incident occur while performing your volunteer duties.

*In previous seasons, the Stingrays reimbursed this fee. However, administering reimbursements has become increasingly difficult as our club has grown. Beginning this season, volunteers will be responsible for the $16 annual insurance fee. We appreciate your understanding. Your time and commitment make it possible for our athletes to enjoy a safe and successful water polo season.

Fundraising

If the club chooses to hold a fundraiser, each family in our programs is expected to participate.

24 HOUR RULE

When an issue occurs and a party has a resulting complaint to make or issue to be resolved, they will be asked to wait 24 hours.  Put the issue in writing and email it to the board. Whether this issue is labeled as a coaching error, teammate interference, parent conflict or any other possible situation, it is very important that all parties involved take the full 24 hours to remove or decrease the emotional element so that the actual issue can be resolved quickly, in a civilized manner, and to everyone’s satisfaction.

This rule has several purposes:

1. Allows each party involved during an issue to step back and   clear the initial emotional elements.

2. Provides a clear and concise process for problem resolution.

3. Promotes direct communication.

4. Provides a clear understanding of what is expected from all parties involved.

5. Provides an avenue of fairness and opportunity to every parent, athlete and coach.