Section 1: New Families & Getting Started

  • No. Many athletes and families start with no water polo experience at all. Players are grouped by age and ability, and coaches teach fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Water polo requires strong swimming skills. Players must be able to:

    • Swim multiple lengths of the pool without assistance

    • Tread water continuously using the eggbeater kick

    • Move confidently in the water with and without the ball

    Note: We do not provide swim lessons. Athletes who are not yet proficient swimmers should complete swim instruction before joining.

  • Your first practice / tryout is always free.

    Before attending:

    1. Check the practice schedule

    2. Contact the coaching staff to let us know a new player is coming

    3. Be dressed in swimwear, have a water bottle and a towel

Section 2: Membership & Requirements

  • Yes. All players must have an active USAWP membership to participate.

    USAWP membership provides:

    • Insurance coverage

    • Tournament eligibility

    • Official player registration

    The Bronze membership is ideal for beginners and is renewed annually.

  • You’ll need a valid USAWP membership number to complete Team Orlando registration.

    Once registered, be sure to upload a current player photo to your USAWP profile.

    • Team Orlando operates year-round

    • Membership is billed monthly

    • Payments are automatically charged to the card on file

    To enroll, visit the Registration page on our website.

  • Water polo is an intense, fast-paced sport that requires a strong foundation in swimming. All participants must be confident and capable swimmers before joining the team. While we welcome athletes of all backgrounds, please note that we do not provide swim lessons as part of our program.

    Players are expected to arrive with the ability to swim multiple lengths of the pool without assistance, tread water continuously using the “eggbeater” kick, and move quickly and confidently through the water, both with and without the ball.

    In addition to strong swimming ability, players must be comfortable in close physical proximity to others, as water polo involves contact and requires maneuvering in tight spaces. For safety reasons, athletes who are not yet proficient swimmers should seek formal swim instruction before registering. There are many excellent community programs and swim schools available to help build these essential skills.

    In summary:

    * Players must be able to swim multiple lengths of the pool without assistance.

    * Treading water efficiently (using the “eggbeater” kick) is a required skill.

    * Athletes must be comfortable with physical contact and close-quarters play.

    * Our program does not offer swim lessons — players must have basic swimming proficiency before joining.

    Those still learning to swim are encouraged to complete swim instruction programs before participating.

Section 3: PRACTICE & FACILITIES

  • Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early so athletes can check in, stretch, and prepare.

    Practices typically last about 2 hours and often begin with dry-land warm-ups before entering the pool.

    Note: This is PRACTICE - not play time. The Coaches are empowered to direct an off-task player to leave the pool at any time to prevent unsafe or disruptive behavior.

  • You’ll need a valid USAWP membership number to complete Team Orlando registration.

    Once registered, be sure to upload a current player photo to your USAWP profile.

  • Practices continue rain or shine since the Rosen pool is covered.

    For safety:

    • Practice pauses if lightning is detected nearby

    • Everyone will be moved away from the pool deck until cleared

    • Sign-In Required: All visitors must check in at the front desk

    • Parent Access: No Rosen membership is required to attend practice

    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and ample bleacher seating

    • Optional Gym Use: Parents may choose to join the Rosen gym or fitness classes separately

Section 4: TOURNAMENTS & GAME DAYS

  • A tournament is a USAWP-sanctioned weekend event where teams play multiple games across age divisions.

    Most tournaments last 2–3 days over a weekend and include medals or trophies.

    They’re competitive, fun, and a great team-building experience.

  • Pack a water polo bag or backpack with:

    • Team uniform swimsuit

    • Towel

    • Sunscreen (most tournaments are outdoors)

    • Comfortable shoes and dry clothes

    • Snacks and drinks (often coordinated by parents)

    ✅ Tip: Confirm your USAWP membership is active and includes a current photo

    ✅ Tip: Trim fingernails before game day

    • Arrive 45–60 minutes before your first game

    • Players should be in the water 30 minutes before game time for warm-ups

    • Games continue in the rain.

    • Lightning may delay or pause play for safety.

    • Coaches will communicate updates via text or team chat. Parents may want to pack an extra towel or small umbrella.

  • Yes. Most venues allow:

    • Folding chairs

    • Umbrellas

    • Stadium seats

  • We normally have “Kraken Base Kamp” - a tented area reserved for Team Orlando players only. This serves as a central gathering point for our players. They can leave their water polo gear safely while a parent keeps an eye on things. Additionally, this is also the central “snack and drink station” for the Team. We typically have a shared (large) ice chest (parents supply) snacks, drinks for consumption.

  • Tournament fees cover:

    • Event registration and pool rental

    • Referees and staffing

    • Team administration and logistics

    These fees are separate from monthly club membership and vary by event.

    The registration fees will be communicated via the Parent chat messages and payable on the website.