Who is eligible to compete?

Varsity teams must comply with the eligibility rules of the NCAA.

What happens if my team cannot make a tournament?

All teams must sign a Participation Contract before the season begins in order to be eligible to compete. The contract clearly states that any team joining the conference must attend every tournament, even if it means attending with a partial squad, borrowing players form other teams, and forfeiting all games. Failure to attend will result in a no contest, which requires immediate suspension of the team for the remainder of the season and the following year, in addition to payment of all league fees.

How is the schedule determined?

Each division determines how many games they want to play and on what dates during an annual conference call. Unless otherwise determined by the teams involved, sites are selected using a rotation schedule in which every team has a turn to host. 

Under what circumstances might the schedule change?

Once the schedule is printed, it will only change if one of three circumstances occurs:

1. The facility hours change.
2. A team withdraws, or is suspended.
3. An extraordinary unforeseen circumstance requires a team to request a change. These circumstances do not include preferences about opponents or game times.

As a coach, am I able to request a specific schedule?

No. Teams may only request that they play at a specific time based on travel constraints and geographic distance from the tournament site. Requests need to be made to the office well in advance of the release of the schedule.

How do I file a protest?

The coach wishing to protest the game must make a written statement within 15 minutes of the close of the game, outlining the problem. Protests can only pertain to a misapplication of the rules or errors in recording information. They may not refer to judgments made by the officials.

Once signed, the head referee will immediately convene the tournament committee which is comprised of the head referee (chair), the two referees on the game (unless involved in the protest), the two coaches involved in the next game, and the tournament host. One additional non-working official can serve as a replacement for a referee that needs to be disqualified. In addition, the head referee may use his discretion in replacing other members of the tournament committee that are either not available, or disqualified due to the protest. The decision made by the committee is final for the purpose of the tournament. Page 23 of the NCAA rule book also specifies the procedure.

How are the all-Conference teams selected?

Representatives from each team rank their own players in order of ability and send their names to the CWPA office by the deadline noted on the Coaches’ Calendar. The CWPA office compiles the rankings by division and releases the information to every team to serve as a guide when voting. Teams then vote for the top 12 field players, two goalies, a Most Valuable Player, and a Coach of the Year, using the ballot available on the web site. The office compiles the votes and publishes the results at the conclusion of each season.

Who selects the Player of the Week?

The regional Top 20 pollsters vote for varsity Player of the Week based on nominations received in the office by Monday at 5:00 PM. For collegiate club teams, the Director of Communications selects the individual based on nominations submitted. If more than one nomination is received, he may convene a panel when necessary. Nominations should include the player's name, year at school, and relevant statistical information. Example

How are problems resolved between coaches, referees, and athletes?

The CWPA annually elects a Board of Review comprised of one men’s coach, one women’s coach, an athletic administrator, and the Technical Director. The Commissioner and Director of Officials serve as non-voting members. Any problem that is not addressed by standing policies or the current playing rules is handled by the Board of Review. The Board will make a determination regarding the problem and when necessary, refer the issue to the Board of Directors.

What is the difference between club and varsity water polo?

People normally ask what the primary differences are between varsity and club play. That is difficult to answer briefly because the individual teams that comprise each group are themselves very diverse in every category, from funding to ability. However, as a general rule, the following differences apply to each category.

Varsity teams are organized and supervised by their athletic departments, have paid coaches, and follow the NCAA rules and regulations affecting eligibility. In addition, the competitive level of varsity competition is generally higher than that of the club level.

The collegiate club teams on the other hand are normally student-run. Some teams do have coaches and some of these coaches are paid, although none are full-time. They are not required to meet NCAA eligibility requirements, they do not offer scholarships, and the programs are supervised by their sport club or intramural offices. The level of play within the top collegiate clubs is often better than the lower level of varsity programs, but as a general rule, the majority of competition is less intense than the varsity competition.

The main difference student-athletes will recognize stems from the funding. While varsity teams are typically well funded, meaning the students do not pay to travel, the majority of the club teams must raise funds to meet their financial obligations. Fortunately, the newly organized conference structures are offering these institutions a more credible outlet and consequently the funding with many collegiate club teams has increased dramatically. This is a good sign for men, given the fact that most of the new teams added at this point will not be elevated to varsity status due to gender equity limitations.

This chart summarizes what is generally true. There may be several instances when the information will not apply to a specific institution. Check with the school of your choice to learn more about their program. For contact information, click here.

Who has the final say during a tournament?

In the absence of the Commissioner or Director of Officials, the Tournament Committee has the final say. Every effort should be made to contact one of these individuals. The 24 hour line for the Director of Officials is 610-662-6464. The tournament Committee is comprised of the head referee (chair), the two referees on the game (unless involved in the protest), the two coaches involved in the next game, and the tournament host. One additional non-working official can serve as a replacement for a referee that needs to be disqualified. In addition, the head referee may use his discretion in replacing other members of the tournament committee that are either not available, or disqualified due to a conflict of interest.

How do I handle a protest filed?

Contact the Head Referee immediately. He will assume responsibility for handling the protest.

Whom should I call during the tournament if problems arise?

Every effort should be made to contact the Commissioner or the Director of Officials. The 24 hour line for the Director of Officials is 610-662-6464.

What do I do with the official game scoresheets?

At the conclusion of each game, the opposing coaches receive the yellow and pink copies. The white copies should be saved and mailed back to the CWPA office at the conclusion of the tournament. Hosts should also email scores for each tournament game to office@collegiatewaterpolo.org.

How does United States Water Polo relate to the Collegiate Water Polo Association?

The CWPA and United States Water Polo (USWP) are two different organizations with two different missions. United States Water Polo is the National Governing Body for the sport and as such is responsible for supporting and training the U. S. National Teams for men and women. Their involvement in collegiate water polo at this time includes their provision of a grant program for new varsity teams and payment for awards certificates given to varsity athletes selected for all-American and all-Academic teams.

Who runs the National Collegiate Club Championships?

The Division III National Collegiate Club Championships is run by the CWPA, for CWPA teams.

The National Collegiate Club Championship is run jointly by the Big Ten Conference and the CWPA. The National Collegiate Club Championships has no direct affiliation with United States Water Polo or the NCAA. Each conference executive receives one vote in the determination of any issue affecting policy. During the actual tournament, the Tournament Committee (outlined in the Protest section) serves as the authority to decide competitive issues as they relate to the current championship.

Where does all the money go from league dues?

The CWPA pays for officials, staff, awards, and publications using funds collected through league fees. A complete detailed listing of the financial statements is published annually on the web site.

How are referees assigned?

Officials are sent an availability form before the season, listing all of the dates and sites. They are asked to return the form listing where and when they would like to work, prioritizing their selections. The Director of Officials, in consultation with the Commissioner and Technical Director, assigns the officials based on ability and preference. The CWPA endeavors to give every official their first or second choice each weekend.

How can I report my evaluation of an official?

Coaches can complete the Referee Evaluation Form found on the web site.