Club Policies

In order for our club to be competitive at the highest level it is essential to recognize that participation in the Santa Cruz Water Polo Club (SCWPC) is a commitment made by both the athlete and the parent(s).  All athletes & parents are expected to be familiar with this Code of Conduct and follow it at all times.  By enrolling your child in the Santa Cruz Water Polo Club program you agree to following::

Athlete Expectations

• Athletes shall be positive and responsible representatives of SCWPC at all times.
• Good sportsmanship will be shown at all times.
• Athletes shall respect the property of others.
• Repeated brutality fouls or inappropriate physical play will not be tolerated and will be grounds for suspension or expulsion from the club.
• Athletes will not make any derogatory remarks about SCWPC, other players or coaches.  Hateful or discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated.
• Athletes must place a priority on active and committed participation in all practices and games.  SCWPC is a competitive program, so all roster selections are earned.
• Being selected to a roster is a privilege so players should make every effort to attend tournaments and practices.  Athletes are expected to attend all games/tournaments they are selected for.  Coaches shall be notified in advance via email/call/text if a rostered athlete is going to be absent.  Unexcused absences may result in a fine and may impact future roster selections.
• Athletes are expected to be on deck one hour prior to game time unless otherwise notified by the coach.
• Athletes that have concerns about playing time, roster placement or role on the team should contact their coach and set up an appropriate time to discuss.
• Athletes must communicate directly with their coach regarding any issue or concern that may arise surrounding SCWPC.  Unresolved problems should be brought to the attention of the Club Directors via email.

Parent Expectations

• Parents must be responsible role models and a positive reflection of the SCWPC at all times.
• Parents must show good sportsmanship and treat all players, parents, coaches of SCWPC and opposing teams and referees with respect at all times.
• Parents are not to communicate with players during a game or during training. Only positive, supportive and encouraging comments are acceptable.
• Parents are not to approach or distract the coaches on deck during training or games.
• Parents should suggest or ask that their child communicate with their coaches about any potential concerns before the parent approaches a coach or email.
• Placement on rosters and playing time is the sole discretion of the coach and is NOT open for discussion with parents.
• Timely registration and payment of fees as outlined in the website is required.
• Parent conduct in violation of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from a game and may prohibit a parent attending games.
• Any conduct in violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action as determined by the coaches/administrators.  This includes, but is not limited to, benching of players, removing players from rosters, suspension or removal from SCWPC. 

The Santa Cruz Water Polo Club is committed to supporting our athletes both in the pool and beyond. We offer financial aid to help cover club dues for families who may need assistance, ensuring that all players have the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. 

For financial aid, please fill out the Financial Aid Application and return it to us at the beginning of the session.

As a National Governing Body of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee ("USOPC") and member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, USA Water Polo abides by the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and The United States Center for SafeSport ("the Center") SafeSport Code in an effort to recognize, reduce, and respond to misconduct in sport.

We all play a role in reducing misconduct and abuse in sport. The Center provides education and resources for all members of the sport community - organizations, coaches, officials, parents and athletes - to understand what misconduct is, implement ways to reduce it and identify plans to respond to it.

USA Water Polo Participants are prohibited from engaging in misconduct, including but not limited to sexual, emotional, physical misconduct as well as bullying, hazing and harassment as per the USA Water Polo Rules Governing Conduct and U.S. Center for SafeSport Code.

All adult participants are mandatory reporters. Reporting violations of the Code or Rules may be made anonymously and there are no fees or cost associated with reporting prohibited conduct.

SCWPC is fully committed to the health and safety of our athletes.  Below you will find information and links to resources, guidelines, and policies in support of that commitment.

• USA Water Polo's Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy
• How to Report a Concern - SafeSport
• Response and Resolutions Policies

• Please submit any complaints to the Grievance Officer: ryan@santacruzwpc.com
• You can submit informal anonymous complaints on this google form
• If unsatisfied with the handling of this process, parties may also submit grievances to USAWP or The Center for Safe Sport
• Any formal grievance submission can expect response within 48 hours but should know that resolution may take longer

SCWPC regularly photographs and films players at practices, games, and events. These images may be used for educational purposes, marketing, social media, publications, and other club communications.

By registering your child with SCWPC, you consent to this use of their image. No compensation is provided, and you have no right to approve specific uses.

If you do not want your child photographed or filmed, contact Club Director Ryan Chapatte at ryan@santacruzwpc.com before your child's first practice.