PARENTS GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

PHILOSOPHY

HAWPC Coaching Philosophy revolves around three key principles

  1. The athletes across the Club no matter what age group, competition level or gender need to play more games.  Through increasing playing opportunities we bring value to the practices which in turn leads to greater athlete development. Increased game opportunities provides great feedback for the players and coaches and most importantly, it is fun.
  2. Commitment to physical fitness, mental toughness, and fortitude.  Over the next 3 years we will become the most physically dominant team in the country.  If you want to be good you need to train hard and we will train harder than everyone else both in and out of the water.  If we are in better shape than our competition we will win more games.  
  3. This is about more than just water polo; we want our athletes to attain: 
  • Post Secondary education  
  • Lifetime athletics  
  • Time management, sacrifice, prioritizing and teamwork skills.  It is my expectation that our athletes organize their time and manage it effectively. This is not only important for team success but it is a lifetime habit and skill.

PLAYING TIME

Playing time is one of the most complicated factors which coaches, parents, and players interact with during the season.  With all things being equal if athletes attend all practices, put maximum effort into every practice and have the same game awareness and skill level they will all be given equal playing opportunities.

Our goal is to encourage, motivate and grow our athletes.  It is in everyone’s best interest that all athletes receive equal opportunities to play in games.  As mentioned in our philosophy this organization is committed to getting in as many games as possible.  

The Head Coach will be objectively testing athletes throughout the season and Comp coaches will take attendance.  Objective fitness statistics (which are personal) and attendance will be at the Head Coaches disposal when questions arise.  Playing time distribution is managed throughout the season. The average below is what Parents can generally expect. Please note that Coaches will coach to win in provincial and National championship situations.

  

Playing time Breakdown

Swim & Play Ball: all athletes receive equal playing time.

SWRL League: Athletes receive equal playing time

U-14 COMP: Athletes play a minimum of half a game unless physically limited or playing situation is deemed to be mentally detrimental to their development.  

U-16/19 COMPETITIVE: Athletes play a minimum of a third of a game unless physically limited or playing situation is deemed to be mentally detrimental to their development.

NCL: Playing time is based on competition and situation.  Whenever possible coaches will rotate the line-up however in certain competitive scenario playing time will be rewarded to the best players.

**********The team decision trumps all stipulations.  In close tournaments especially in playoff scenarios Coaches will put the decision in the hands of the players.  If the team decides to pull out the stops and go for the win the coaches will support that decision*********

Coaches who are coaching during a tournament will not entertain the conversation within 24 hours of the game. Please respect and review the parent and player code of conducts.