What is CdM Aquatics?

CdM Aquatics is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and was established to foster and promote the amateur sports of water polo and swimming in the Corona del Mar community. CdM Aquatics is organized to benefit boys and girls of all abilities and is operated in accordance with the standards and under the rules prescribed by FINA and USAWP.

How do I register for a trial program with CdM Water Polo?

Select "Registration" from the navigation bar on the website. Complete the online registration form. After completing the online registration, a CdM Water Polo representative will contact you within 48 hours.

What if I’ve never played water polo before?

It’s always a good time to start playing water polo! CdM water polo has an excellent coaching staff that has competed at all levels of play and that understands the progression of how water polo is learned and understood. The Corona del Mar coaches are experienced at conditioning and educating new players about the game and are always looking to introduce more people to this great sport.

Do I have to play water polo in my own age group?

Most participants will find that their age group is the best fit for their skill and experience level. There are, however, always exceptions. For those athletes who feel as if they would be better challenged by playing up an age group, it is important to discuss that possibility with the CdM polo coaching staff. If the CdM polo coaches feel it is the right decision, an athlete may be permitted to practice and/or compete with a higher age group.

Why do I need to be a member of USA Water Polo?

USA Water Polo insures all practices, leagues, and tournaments that the CdM Water Polo Club participates in, both statewide and nationally. The CdM Water Polo club is registered with USWP, as are all CdM polo coaches. For a participating athlete to be covered during play and to be eligible for competitions, he or she must be a current USWP member. A USWP membership also keeps you updated on all the recent water polo news around the globe.

How do I sign up for USA Water Polo?

Signing up for USA Water Polo takes about five minutes. Go to www.usawaterpolo.com and click on “Join USA Water Polo”. Follow the steps from there. Once you have signed up, print a copy of your confirmation so that you have your USA Water Polo number.

What kind of equipment do I need for water polo?

The bare minimum necessary for all water polo players to participate is a suit and goggles (and swim cap for water polo players with long hair). CdM Aquatics provides water polo balls and water polo caps for all practices and games. It is recommended that all suits be ordered from the club, which will provide you with the suit styles and cuts best suited for water polo. Most regular swimsuits will not hold up as long as a suit specifically designed for water polo. Additionally, the club recommends cold weather gear (clothing) for cold (and possibly rainy) evenings.

What do my CdM Aquatics program dues pay for?

CdM Aquatics program dues are calculated to cover tournament fees, payment for referees, coaches’ salaries, pool rental, and equipment expenses. They may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the number of practices and the number of tournaments/games.

What happens if I miss a water polo practice?

As with any sport, the more practices you attend, the more likely you are to improve. Thus, if you miss a practice you may be missing out on a key concept or experience. That said, CdM Aquatics and its coaches understand that most athletes are involved in a number of activities and will occasionally need to miss practice for another activity or family event. If an athlete is repeatedly absent, he or she may receive diminished playing time in games since priority is given to those members who have shown the greatest dedication.

Do we practice and play water polo in the rain?

Since water polo is played in the pool, rain does not affect our ability to hold practices. Practices will only be cancelled for weather reasons in the event of thunder and lightning. Rain or shine we’ll be out on deck ready to train!

Does the Corona del Mar Age Group Water Polo Club go on travel trips?

Yes.  Travel is based on age group and season. They will compete for all major USA Water Polo events including but not limited to Speedo Cup, National Junior Olympics (JO’s), and other National Championship events.

How are Age Group Water Polo Club travel teams selected?

For Speedo Cup, JO’s and other National Championship tournaments, a CdM Polo team of 12-15 players is selected by the CdM coaching staff.  An alternate may be selected as well.  Player decisions are based first on athletes fulfilling the attendance policy of Corona del Mar Water Polo.  The second criterion is daily performance in workouts and in games.  No decision is based solely on a single performance at any one tournament.  Athletes are evaluated every workout and during every game and the decisions are based on their overall abilities.

Do the age group water polo players sign a Code of Conduct?

Yes.  All CdM Polo players will sign and parents co-sign a document prior to leaving.

Who chaperones the CdM age group water polo trips?

The CdM Age Group Water Polo coaches will ask for volunteers to assist on each trip.  The chaperone may help with travel arrangements prior to leaving and daily activities like driving, arranging meals while on the road.  Hotel and airline transportations is the financial responsibility of the CdM Polo chaperone.  Ground transportation will be taken care of by the age group water polo players attending.