USA Water Polo National

Junior Olympics

What are JOs?


The USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics (JOs) is the largest and most prestigious youth water polo tournament in the United States. This annual event showcases the best water polo talent from across the country, offering athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level within their age groups. The tournament is divided into two divisions ensuring balanced competition for all participants.


  • Championship Division: for top-ranked teams competing for platinum and gold titles.
  • Classic Division: for teams competing for silver and bronze titles,


For our athletes, JOs represent the culmination of extensive training and dedication throughout the year. Competing in this event is an unparalleled opportunity for players to showcase their skills, challenge themselves, and grow by facing off against the best teams in the nation. It’s a chance to test their development and experience water polo at its most competitive level.


Junior Olympics Website >


Who qualifies for JOs?


To compete in the National Junior Olympics, teams must first qualify through a Zone Qualification Tournament (“quals”) for their respective age group. Santa Cruz Water Polo Club competes in the Pacific Zone, one of the largest zones in the country, so age-specific qualifiers often happen on two different weekends. 


Participation in the JO Zone Qualifiers is mandatory for all athletes in these age groups who are selected and wish to compete in JOs. The qualifiers will be held at various high schools and aquatic centers throughout the Bay Area. Finalized locations and schedules are typically announced closer to the qualification dates.


2026 JO Pacific Zone Qualification Dates:


Younger Quals - June 5-7, 2026

  • 10U, 12U, 14U


Older Quals - June 12-14, 2026

  • 16U, 18U


Where are JOs?


JOs are held at pools across Orange County, CA. Our club usually stays at hotel near Irvine, CA, knowing we will have games anywhere in Orange County during the tournament.


When are JOs


JOs are held over the last two weekends in July. One weekend for boys, and one weekend for girls/mixed. 


2026 Dates:


Session 1 - Girls/Mixed - July 18-21, 2026

  • Girls 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U
  • Mixed 10U, 12U


Session 2 - Boys - July 23-26, 2026

  • Boys 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U


An athlete’s age group is based on their age as of August 1, 2026.


2027 Dates:

  • Session I (Boys): July 17-20
  • Session II (Girls/Mixed): July 22-25

 

2028 Dates (TENTATIVE):

  • Session I (Girls/Mixed): July 1-4
  • Session II (Boys): July 6-9


Participation Requirements:


USA Water Polo Membership

All athletes interested in participating in Junior Olympics must also have a current USA Water Polo "Gold Athlete" Membership and be affiliated with our club:


Santa Cruz Water Polo Club

Club ID #: 30099

Pacific Zone (#6)


Membership must be up-to-date with all requirements no later than 10 days prior to the commencement of the zone qualification tournament. USAWP is very strict on this and there is NO grace period.


Age Verification

USA Water Polo has an age verification required for all athletes participating in National Championship Events. For those who have never completed the age verification, this is a one-time charge of $5.00 paid online through TC logiQ Secure Website. Access by logging into the athlete's USAWP account and you will see a link to "Age Verification" on the right-hand side; follow the steps from there.


Gold athlete members must complete this process prior to participating in any National Championship Event, in particular the Regional Junior Olympic Qualifier. This process can take up to seven (7) days to receive results so we urge all athletes to complete the verification right away, to avoid delays as the qualifiers get closer. We will not be able to verify and submit rosters until all athletes' birth dates have been successfully verified in the USAWP system. We encourage all of our members who have the intention of participating on one of our Club JO teams to complete the verification process as described by USAWP as soon as possible. If you have any follow up questions regarding the verification process please see USAWPs Age Eligibility FAQs or feel free to contact us.


Athlete Expectations

Going to JO's is a serious commitment – to the team and to yourself, as an athlete. In order to field the most competitive team possible, the expectation is that athletes on this team should be planning to attend all summer workouts & scheduled competitions. Athletes that are interested in being considered for the JO team should expect to attend the JO qualifying and all of JO's.


Declaring Your Intent to Play in JOs

In order to be considered for a JO roster spot, we require a $250 JO Qualification deposit. This deposit covers the cost of the JO qualification tournaments and is non-refundable for athletes selected to the JO Qualification team roster. JO Qualification deposits are due in May. Checks should be made payable to "Santa Cruz Water Polo Club". 


Rosters & Selection

JO qualification & tournament rosters are limited to a maximum of 15 players (however we will field smaller rosters for our older age groups). Should an athlete not be selected for a JO Qualification roster, his/her JO Qualification deposit will be returned. Athletes not selected to a JO team will still participate in all non-JO related summer events, such as practices, scrimmages & Santa Cruz Classic tournaments.


Final Payment & Additional Expenses

For athletes on teams that qualify for the JO Championships, the remaining balance will be due the Friday after all JO Qualifications end. If an athlete's team does not qualify for the JO tournament, there will be no final payment due. There are also additional lodging and travel expenses paid by families during the JO tournament.