NYP DRAGONS WATER POLO CLUB - INFORMATION BOOKLET 2013/14 nypdragons.com.au

NYP DRAGONS
WATER POLO CLUB

    INFORMATION
      BOOKLET
       2013/14
    nypdragons.com.au
 nypdragons@hotmail.com

                          1

Table of Contents

WELCOME TO WATER POLO              ……………………………………                      3

WATER POLO AT THE NYP DRAGONS     ………………………                            4
  CLUB HISTORIES ………………………………………………….                                  4
  ABOUT US ………………………………………………………..                                     5
  AGE GROUPS / WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PLAY? ………..                         5

COMPETITION ………………………………………………………...                                   6
  OUR TEAMS ……………………………………………………….                                     6
  SEASONS ………………………………………………………..                                      6
  COMPETITION VENUES…………………………………............                          6

PATHWAYS         ………………………………………………………                                 7
  EVENTS         ……………………………………………………….                                7

BENEFITS OF PLAYING A TEAM SPORT               ………………………               7

TRAINING ………………………………………………………………                                      8
  LOCATIONS & TIMES …………………………………………..                                 8

CASE STUDY – CARL ZVEKAN …………………………………...                              9

COSTS OF PLAYING WATER POLO              ………………………........             10

UNIFORM & CLUB MERCHANDISE               ………………………........             11

CLUB COMMITTEE         ………………………....................................   11

CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION ……….......................................    11

                                                                            2

WELCOME TO WATER POLO
Imagine a sport that combines the explosive speed of squash, the techniques
of sprint swimming, the team tactics of basketball or soccer and the ball skills
of basketball or netball…
Imagine no more… Welcome to WATER POLO!

The objective of the game resembles that of soccer, that being to score more
goals than your opposition. Attacking is regulated by a 30 second shot clock
and an offside rule.

A water polo team consists of 6 ‘field’ players and 1 goalkeeper. Each team is
allowed up to 6 substitutes who can interchange at any time.

There are 2 types of fouls in a water polo match. Minor fouls account for 80%
of all fouls during a match and are rewarded with a free pass. Major fouls are
called when a player is deemed to be holding, sinking or pulling back a player
not in possession of the ball. The punishment for committing a major foul is a
20 second exclusion from the game. The attacking team will then try to use
their extra player advantage to score a goal.

International Games consist of four, eight minute quarters. The clock stops
after every foul is awarded, meaning quarters normally last for 15 minutes. If
teams are tied at the end of normal time, two, three minute periods of extra
time are played. Should the teams still remained tied, a penalty shootout will
determine the winning team.

                                                                                   3

WATER POLO AT THE NYP DRAGONS

The NYP Dragons compete in both male and female competitions across all
age groups and ability levels. We offer athletes appropriate pathways to
achieve maximum enjoyment from the sport. Whether your goals are national
representation, social fitness and anything in-between, we can help you get
there.

CLUB HISTORIES

In 1960 members from the Nunawading Swimming Club formed a water polo
division. They entered a Men’s “B” grade side in the Victorian Water Polo
Association in 1961 and in 1967 the first women’s team was entered, winning
the women’s “B” grade championship in their first season. The number of
players have increased over the years advancing to the top level in both men’s
and women’s competitions (State League 1). In recent times, junior male and
female teams have been very successful and many have represented Victoria
with two also representing Australia.
Yarra Plenty Water Polo began in 1985 as Balwyn-Yarra Water Polo before
changing their name due to pool re-location. They won their first premiership
flags in “E” grade men and ‘C” grade women the following year. Additional
premierships have been won since then and the club has representatives in
both Victorian and Australian teams.
In 1996, Nunawading and Yarra Plenty Water Polo teams first combined to
form competitive State League 1 teams. This combination pioneered the trend
within the sport to consolidate teams into larger and stronger clubs offering
competition from juniors up to State League 1.

                                                                                 4

ABOUT US

The NYP Dragons Water Polo Club is committed to making the sport of water
polo fun and rewarding. We provide outstanding education to our athletes
and provide them with appropriate pathways for growth both in and out of the
water.
The NYP Dragons has a rich history of producing State and National
Representatives (see case study). Our coaches are amongst the best in the
State and have proven track records of success. Our coaches lead the way for
innovation and a number of our coaches have led State teams and programs

Age Groups / What is required to play?

Many juniors start playing water polo around the age of 9 or 10 depending on
their swimming ability.
It is recommended that players be competent with all four competitive
strokes before starting water polo. Experience with ‘eggbeater kick’ is an
added advantage.
Competition is available for males and females of all ages and skill levels.
Competition information for all ages can be found in ‘Our Teams’ section.

                                                                               5

COMPETITION:
OUR TEAMS
The NYP Dragons currently have teams in the following divisions and age
categories:
                  Event                Male       Female        Mixed
               12 & Under                          n/a           
               14 & Under                                      n/a
               16 & Under                                      n/a
               18 & Under                                      n/a
      State League 1 (Open Age)                                n/a
      State League 2 (Open Age)                                 n/a
      State League 3 (Open Age)                                n/a
      State League 4 (Open Age)                     n/a          n/a
      State League 5 (Open Age)                    n/a          n/a
               Flippa Ball              n/a         n/a           
    (typically Primary School age)

SEASONS
Metropolitan Winter Competition: April – June
16 & Under, 18 & Under and All State League Teams (Open Age)
Victorian Championships: July - December
16 & Under, 18 & Under and All State League Teams (Open Age)
Sub Junior Competition: October - March
12 & Under, 14 & Under
Flippa Ball: Soon to be introduced

                                                                          6

PATHWAYS
Water Polo is one of the best sports to promote development of players.
Opportunities exist for athletes of all ages to travel throughout Australia and
even the world. We send teams to National Club Championships and training
is focused on teaching the skills necessary to compete at that level. From 18 &
under level, State teams compete at the National Championships from which
national squads are chosen.

We offer many social teams and activities for members who enjoy the social
side of water polo. We have a range of suitable teams (Male and Female) and
activities to keep these members active.

EVENTS:
National Club Championships – (School Holidays)
National Club Championships begin from 14 & Under level
Albury Tournament – (Annually over Labour Day Long Weekend)
Tournament for 16&U and 14&U Male & Female Teams

BENEFITS OF PLAYING A TEAM SPORT:

Enjoy the benefits of participating in a team sport. Team sports maximize the
enjoyment of participants and bring out the best in athletes.

Not only are team sports great for your mind and body, but they can also give
you the skills and attitudes you need to succeed with friends, in school and in
the rest of your life.

Benefits of being part of a team sport:
     Keep fit or get in shape
     Opportunity to gain new, like-minded friends
     Learn how to contribute to the success of a team
     Learn life skills for the business world
     Learn problem solving skills
     Improve self-esteem and confidence
     Learn good sportsmanship

Team sports are invaluable in terms of exercise, friendship and helping to
develop confidence and a positive attitude.

                                                                                  7

COMPETITION VENUES:

Most competitions are based out of the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
(MSAC) in Albert Park. Other venues used by Water Polo Victoria include:
Melbourne High School Pool – South Yarra
Oakleigh Recreation Centre - Oakleigh
Watermarc - Greensborough

TRAINING:

The NYP Dragons train from two main venues. We are constantly reviewing
our training locations to ensure we meet the needs of members. Pool space
for water polo is a significant issue for the sport and we do our best to ensure
appropriate and convenient pool space for members.

LOCATIONS & TRAINING TIMES:

Nunawading Aqualink
Fraser Place, FOREST HILL VIC 3131
Sunday Nights – Male & Female:
5:00 – 6:30pm – 12 & Under, 14 & Under
6:15 – 7:45pm – 18 & Under, Seniors

Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre
180 Victoria Rd, NORTHCOTE VIC 3070
Thursday Nights – Male & Female:
6:30 – 7:50pm – Senior Men & Women (State League Teams)
7:20 – 8:30pm – Junior Boys & Girls (12 & Under – 18 & Under)

Melbourne High School – South Yarra Sports Centre*
679 Chapel St, SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141
* Currently under review
TBC

                                                                                   8

CASE STUDY – CARL ZVEKAN
Carl has been a member of the NYP Dragons since starting his water polo
career at the age of 11. He chose water polo because he liked swimming but
didn’t like individual sports. He felt like water polo allowed him to keep
enjoying the water, and participate in a team sport. He was frustrated at
injuries from AFL and basketball and soon fell in love with water polo.

When Carl began at the NYP Dragons, his skills didn’t quite match his
enthusiasm. He loved training and scoring goals but when he found himself
as the goalkeeper at one training session, he knew he felt at home.

From his early years he developed his skills at training and with our Junior
Age Teams. From here Carl was selected to represent Victoria in various
State Age teams at National Championships. With an increase in training
sessions and more impressive performances at games, Carl earned himself
national selection.

Carl has had the privilege of traveling across the world representing
Australia in various tournaments in North America, Europe and Asia. He was
named the Most Valuable Goalkeeper at the Pan Pacific Championships in
Canada and is now part of the Aussie Sharks Men’s Water Polo Squad. Carl
is targeting a birth in the Australian Olympic Team for Rio 2016.

Carl is the NYP Dragons State League 1 Men’s goalkeeper and still assists
with coaching around the club. He is passionate about our club and is an
example of the pathways that the NYP Dragons can provide.

Carl competing for the NYP Dragons at age 14

                                                                               9

COSTS OF PLAYING WATER POLO
COMPETITION:

To be eligible to compete in a Water Polo Victoria competition the following is
required:
      Club Membership
      Water Polo Victoria Registration (includes Insurance)
      Match Fees

Please see the table below for indicative fees*:
*For season 2012/13 and subject to change
Fee Type                                                   Payable
NYP Dragons Water Polo       $70 Senior (18+)              Annually in July
Club Membership              $40 Junior (Under 18)

WPV Registration Fees                                      Annually in July
Sub – Junior                 $56
(14 & Under)
Junior                       $110
(competing in 16&U/18&U)
Seniors                      $172
Flippa Ball                  $18

Match Payments**             From Summer Comp 2012         Start of each season, but
** Match Fees are adjusted   Seniors - $175 ($12/game)     can be staggered
for members playing in       Juniors - $120 ($8/game)
multiple teams per round
Juniors playing in two       From Summer Comp 2012         Start of each season, but
competitions / Age           $175 (All up, includes both   can be staggered
Groups                       competitions)

TRAINING:

The following are indicative training costs.
 Fee Type
 Training fees – Nunawading             Pool Entry - $5.80 or $4.40
 Aqualink Aquatic Centre                Spectators - $1.70
                                        Payable at Reception

Training Fees – Northcote Aquatic          $5 per session
Centre                                     Payable at Reception

                                                                                       10

UNIFORM AND CLUB MERCHADISE:

The NYP Dragons have a range of club uniform available. Uniform is not
compulsory (unless representing the club on a trip) but we encourage
members to purchase and wear our uniform at games. The following items are
available to purchase:
            Bathers
            Shirts
            T-Shirts
            Towels
            And Many More Items

CLUB COMMITTEE:

PRESIDENT – Andrew Isaac
VICE PRESIDENT – John Mason
TREASURER – Oliver Nunis
SECRETARY – Chloe Sargent
FUNDRAISING – Chloe Henderson
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT – Perri Randall & Michael Girdwood
COMPETITIONS – Jeff Disken
WPV DELEGATE – Marcus Corr

CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: nypdragons@hotmail.com
Website: nypdragons.com.au
For all enquires please email the above address and we will respond as soon
as possible.

                                                                              11